STRONG southerly winds and summer-like heat did not prevent the Lady Hawks returning to the field with a massive bang on Saturday 11 April.
They won their first match of the 2026 Ladies League Tag C Grade competition at Myall Park in Hawks Nest.
The away team was Mallabula Panthers, from across the Bay.
Mallabula took possession quickly, proving slippery at avoiding taggings, but Gemma Clarke led the early charge in her 50th game, racking up the first big 30-metre run and helping to bring the Lady Hawks within metres of the line before handover.
The first try went to Mallabula, from a clear run up their right wing.
The second was conducted in a mirror image up the left wing, just moments later.
The Hawks’ Katie Abbott had two attempts over the line foiled by last-second taggings, but Windjana Jane managed to get across the line for the Hawks’ first try of the season.
Another excellent run by the hungry Lady Hawks was stopped early, despite some strong attack.
Then there was a lot of back-and-forth until the first half ticked out.
In the second half, the Lady Hawks started six points down.
They were running into the sun, as Mallabula again scored through the open wing.
With just over 14 mins to go, Katie Abbott had the ball 30 metres out, executing some fancy moves to avoid tagging.
She went on to take it through the posts for another Hawks’ try.
A successful conversion by Lilliarne Baillie took the Lady Hawks to within a converted try of levelling the score.
The final 10 minutes was an energetic and desperate battle to keep possession, highlighting how quickly five taggings can force a handover.
The Lady Hawks’ Litiana Durbin took her fourth run from the back line, this time evading Panthers to run all the way up the field for a well-earnt try.
At fewer than five minutes to go, and only two points between them, the Lady Hawks regained possession within 20 metres.
Evie Braddick made it past the line to successfully score, putting the Lady Hawks in front for a 18-16 win.
Along with the win, the team celebrated Gemma Clarke’s 50th game.
“Gemma has brought commitment, passion, and team spirit every time she’s stepped on the field, a fantastic achievement and a reflection of her dedication to the club both on and off the field,” a spokesperson said.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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