THE embattled Orange Hawks leaked 58 points and scored just six as they were given a Group 10 premier league thumping by St Pat’s at Wade Park on Sunday.
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It wasn’t for lack of trying on Hawks’ behalf - even St Pat’s coach Kurt Hancock was impressed with the two blues’ never-say-die attitude - but they simply couldn’t keep up with the clinical Saints unit.
Antonio and Cyp Ale both scored doubles, as did Hudson White, as St Pat’s ran in 11 tries to one in the 58-6 shellacking.
“Hawks never gave up, they deserve credit for that. I feel for them after this year,” Hancock said.
“The win’s pleasing. We’d changed a few things during the week to straighten up our attack and that seemed to work. It came together, but our start was still fairly off the pace for us.
“Once we got into the game we were good, but our intensity at the start needs to be tidied up.”
Tim Collins, Brady Cheshire, both Ale brothers, Demetrius Ainuu and White all crossed in the opening half to give St Pat’s a 32-0 lead at half-time.
White and Antonio Ale both scored straight after half-time before Brodie Christopherson crossed for Hawks’ only try of the game.
Shannon Peters, Cyp Ale and Travis Warinara ran in tries and Gary Reilly’s seven conversions pushed the score out to 58-6 at full-time.
Hawks coach Jason Gangaram said plenty of factors affected his side’s performance, but the fact the two blues hadn’t played for a month was the most obvious.
“It all comes down to match fitness for us. St Pat’s played a few games during that period and we didn’t. It showed,” he said.
“You know, Hawks never seem to have much luck whether it be the weather, or the bounce of the ball or even calls sometimes.
“We had three tries disallowed in that game and bombed another one as well.
“I still don’t think we’re far off, to be honest. There's periods where we’re playing really well and getting a roll-on and we just can’t seem to keep that up for any real length of time.
“But the boys aren't quitting, they’re turning up for each other.”
In terms of the difference between the two sides on Sunday, Gangaram highlighted the Saints’ ability to play the ball quickly as the deciding factor.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to in Group 10 says the same thing about them - they play the ball quickly, that’s where the danger is. It’s true, we found that out [on Sunday],” Gangaram said.
“And then when you’ve got guys like [St Pat’s hooker] Benjamin John sniping around the ruck, he just tears you to shreds when he wants to.”
