Before a large crowd against Stroud, and in perfect football weather, the Hawks snatched a draw in the final seconds of the match. The home side scored early in the first half, against the run of play. With Stroud attacking the line strongly, fullback Simon Spooner recovered a loose ball to out run the opposition in a 90 metre effort.

The Raiders replied with two converted tries to lead 12 points to four. Winger Josh Simms scored out wide off a well constructed backline move. The try was not converted. In the second half the Hawks opened the scoring of a Toby Coates try. Matt Browne converted his first for the afternoon to get the Hawks to a fourteen points to 12 lead.

Unable to go on with the job, the locals were put on the defensive with two converted tries scored by the Raiders. Down by ten points, Simon Spooner crossed for his second of the day. With ten minutes to go, the Hawks scored again off a Brooke Roach special under the post. The Matt Browne conversion got the score line to 24 points all. Five minutes out, a brain snap off a fifth tackle kick, gave the Raiders a gift six points. Most would have said the match was lost, but a growing determination, in this season’s side saw a remarkable fight back.

From the restart, second rower Trent Murphy recovered a short high kick off. Measured lead up work from five eight Tyson Jolly got the Hawks within metres of the line. A rehearsed move involving hooker Jason Purdon got Matt Browne under the post as the siren sounded. Converting his own try, the Hawks had snatched the draw.

Best for the Hawks was front rower Brooke Roach. Jason Purdon dominated around the rucks with 30 tackles and 16 hit ups. Trent Murphy and Matt Browne were busy in defence. In the backline, Simon Spooner played hard, supported by Tyson Jolly, and Toby Coates. Tyson Jolly was able to turn the defence around once he took the line on. Off the bench, new recruit Toby Ray stood out in defence on the wing.