After impressing against Kootingal in round five, Hawks were looking for their second season win when they welcomed Hillvue Rovers to town.

It proved to be an afternoon of frustration for the Hawks as they were edged in a thriller 3-2.

“Unfortunately, they scored one more goal than we did,” coach Gary Sams said tongue in cheek.

“We played really well but they’re a good side Hillvue.

“We’re probably not fit enough I think. The heat knocked the buggery out of us a bit,” Sams said.

The first half was evenly poised leading into half-time with Hillvue 2-1 in front.

Sams said their attack caught his midfield and defence on the counter and managed to take two of the few opportunities they were given.

After the break, Hawks began to work their way to ascendency and their resilience paid off with an equaliser.

But it just wasn’t to be their day as Rovers grabbed another.

“We should of won,” Sams said.

“I think we can count that as one that got away. We were definitely the better team on the day.”

Despite the loss, Sams said he’s seen marked improvement in his side in recent weeks.

“Things are starting to come on quite well now.”

He said third placed Quirindi should prove a strong test for his boys but was confident they can continue improving and picking up points.

Sams said he didn’t keep score in the reserves game, as Hawks were comfortably run over by Rovers.

“It was a pretty bad day – we were just outplayed,” he said.

But for him, he’s focused on his players continuing to develop and enjoying the game.

“That’s what our club is about. We have a good chance this weekend to turn it around,” he said.