After traveling to Gulgong on the weekend, the team won its first game against Woodbridge Cup 33-32 on Saturday but lost a see-sawing contest on Sunday 28-24 against Mid West.

Hastings League president, Geoff Connor, said the players and coach, Denis Rumbel deserved the credit for their performance.

“Despite several late changes to the team, there were some outstanding performances from a number of our players over the two matches,” Connor said.

“Against Woodbridge Cup, fullback Nick Knox was the last line of defence on at least six occasions and came up trumps every time.

“The Woodbridge Cup side combined really well and continually split our defence wide out and were constantly running at Knox. But he stood his ground … he was outstanding.

“And Knoxy eventually booted the winning field goal too.

“Others to play well included Justin Cook and Wayne Simes from Crescent Head, Leftie Costigan and Keith Hollis from Long Flat.”

Against Mid West on Sunday, the Hastings League had two tries disallowed in some dubious hometown refereeing decisions.

Players to perform strongly included Costigan, Cook, Simes, Knox, Hollis and the Kendall halves combination of Bartlett and Christianson in a match that went try for try, according to Connor.

“But really everyone contributed to the second match. We had some walking wounded who backed up and put in a tremendous effort.

“All the players should be congratulated on their efforts on and off the field.”

The Newcastle Hunter side won both its matches and, along with the Hastings League side, will progress to the next round of competition.

That series of matches could be played in Tamworth on Saturday May 24 but it is yet to be confirmed.