The Inverell RSM Hawks A Grade side commenced the second half of the Group 19 season, with a scrappy 56 to 18 victory over their traditional rivals, the Tingha Tigers.
This win now places Inverell equal leaders on the premiership table with the two Moree sides.
Having not played for three weeks showed at times, particularly with the Hawks’ second half performance.
Inverell started well with two tries in the first 10 minutes of play to winger Billy Stewart and second rower Josh Boyd.
Stewart who had been in great form prior to this match, was unlucky to sustain a serious injury later in the half which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Jack Stafford and Cameron Patch scored further tries for the Hawks and after 25 minutes the Inverell side was travelling along comfortably leading 22-0.
Not to be denied, the Tigers hit back soon after with a converted try to trail 22-6.
Inverell hooker Jack Hukins was rewarded for his consistent efforts with a try in the 37th minute and a try on half time to the Hawks player of the match, Alex McCosker had the visitors going to the break leading 34-6.
Matty Edmonds opened the scoring in the second half for the Hawks with a try two minutes after the resumption. Ten minutes later and Hawks junior Ethan Campbell crossed for a try after a break from half way, to push the Hawks out to a commanding 44-6 lead.
The Hawks appeared to drop in intensity at this point and the Tigers responded with two converted tries to trail 44-18 after 27 minutes.
Josh Boyd and James Ballinger wrapped up the scoring in the final 10 minutes with converted tries, to have the final score at 56-18 in favour of the Inverell Hawks.
Best and Fairest were Alex McCosker (3), Jack Hukins (2) and Mick Watton (1).
Despite being hammered 12-0 in the penalty count, the Hawkettes put in a courageous performance in being defeated by Tingha 14-8.
The Tigers led 8-0 after the first 15 minutes before Inverell captain Codie Ryan crossed a minute before half time to have Tingha in front at the break 8-4.
A converted try to Tingha six minutes into the second half saw them extend their lead to 14-4.
This remained the score until five minutes from full-time when Kyla Hamilton crossed to have the Hawkettes back in contention trailing 14-8.
Tingha were able to hold the Hawkettes out for the remainder of the match to score a six-point victory. Best and fairest were Codie Ryan (3), Hollie Stafford (2) and Jess Southgate (1).
