AFTER a prolonged period of match day heartbreak the Northern Hawks first grade rugby league team have returned to the winners circle.

In a huge fillip for the Port Stephens league community, Brad Tighe’s youthful warriors are celebrating their first win in the 2024 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup series.

The Hawks toppled cellar dwellers Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 36-20 recently at Kurri Kurri Sportsground to snap a twelve week drought.

Power running lock forward Liam Walsh was best on ground – menacing the Bulldogs with his bustling runs and rugged defence to spearhead Northern to a much-needed victory and earn the official Player of the Match award.

A jubilant Walsh told News Of The Area the Hawks had been building for their first win of the season with encouraging performances in recent rounds.

“We are so relieved to break our duck and pick up our first win after a tough three month schedule,” revealed the industrious forward who has proved a model of consistency for the Northern club this year.

“It is a real confidence boost moving forward as the team continues to improve,” added Walsh.

Trailing 14-0, the Hawks rallied to level the scores at half time before producing a four try blitz after the interval to secure two valuable competition points.

Kurri back rower Tyran Stevenson made an early impact by crashing through tackles to score a try double before winger Liam Dalibozek added a third and converted for a handy lead.

Northern responded with tries by centre Timanu Alexander, five eighth Taimana Elers and winger Ryan Weatherall before dominating the second stanza.

The elusive Alexander demonstrated his attacking prowess – bagging a hat trick of tries for the match with prop Quincy Ross and winger Danny Vale also stamping their names on the Hawks’ try scoring list.

A try and conversion by Dalibozek shortly after the interval gave the Bulldogs a 20-14 lead before Northern finished strongly to slam their rivals.

Talented fullback Ngangarra Barker, workhorse utility Jack Langdon, skilful forward Lachlan Williams and powerhouse prop Jarred Williams also turned in superb displays for the Hawks.

The long awaited win lifts the Hawks off the bottom of the ladder and helps restore some lost pride for the Port Stephens-based club.

Northern Hawks host Lakes United Seagulls in their Indigenous Round clash this Saturday at Tomaree Sports Ground from 5pm.

By Chris KARAS