It was a match that Hawks president, Gary Lavender described as ugly.

“A bit of dropped ball and whatever again. Armidale are a sprawling side,” he said.

“They just kept coming and coming, and we couldn’t put them away. It was just a dire struggle.

“I think we led 24-10 at half-time and we thought we’d just go out and put these blokes away, but we just couldn’t drive the sword in any deeper. 

“It was just one of those things. Any win is a good win, but it wasn’t a glamorous win, put it that way.”

Lavender said the home advantage had not counted for much on Saturday as the Hawks came home by the skin of their teeth.

“We kicked a field goal with about a minute to go.

“It was desperate. 

“Thought we’d waste a bit of time, but they had time to kick off,” Lavender laughed.

Coach Peter Stevens told the Northern Daily Leader the match was a credit to the Rams.

“We had our foot on their throats but couldn’t put them away,” Stevens said.

“Neither side could control the big men from each side.”

Armidale president Terry Carson said it was a really good game of football.

“A very physical game, but we shot ourselves in the foot and had to play catch-up football all day.”

The Hawks travel to Glen Innes this weekend to take on the Magpies, following their hammering on Saturday (72-28) by the Moree Boomerangs.

Lavender said he thinks the Hawks will be better off for last week’s game.

“It’s all well and good to say if you win you have a week off, but while ever you’re playing continuous football and not getting injuries, you’re in better stead down the track,” he said.“Glen are going to be hard.”

Both A grade and reserve grade will travel to Glen Innes on the weekend.