A fantastic crowd of loyal supporters braved the weather to watch the Cobras turn in a courageous effort in very harsh conditions.

Cobras coach Peter Maytom said he was delighted with the team’s endeavour and hard work on the training track after a dismal performance against Stroud in their trial game two weeks ago.

“We knew the areas we had to work on and to the boys credit they did the hard work on the track and were probably unlucky not to get the win on Sunday,” Maytom said.

“We are primed for a big game at home this week against Dungog. We haven’t played them for a few years so I’m sure it will be a packed ground for the match.”

The Cobras gave away several early penalties for infringements in the play the ball and eventually the Hawks made them pay the price by scoring the opening try to give them a 4-0 lead.

The heavy going made it tough to work the ball forward but Sam Dunn and Rob Elliott were in the thick of things as they continually made tough valuable metres up the middle.

Elliott, after being trapped with the ball on the fifth tackle, placed a perfectly weighted cross field kick into the hands of centre Paul Mascord to score Clarence Town’s first four pointer to tie the game up at 4-all.

Both teams had other chances but the scoreline remained the same at the half-time break.

Abermain drew first blood in the second half, again on the back of successive penalties. A grubber behind the defense close to the line enabled them to take the lead to 8-4.

Clarence Town regrouped quickly and made their way deep into the Hawks’ territory. Brad Johnson proved too powerful close to the line as he crossed out wide to again level the score at 8-all.

A handling error from the kick off gifted the Hawks easy possession and in the ensuing six tackles they scored a converted try close to the posts to go to a handy 14-8 lead with time running out for the home-side.   

The Cobras rallied with some stinging defense and on the back of good lead up work Jarod Ritz caught the Hawks knapping.

Ritz scored out wide with four minutes remaining. 

Ben Bradley capped a fine game with a sideline conversion to tie the game and set up an exciting final few minutes. 

Clarence Town made their way downfield and had their chances to snatch victory but the Hawks scrambled valiantly and held on to what could be said as a justified 14-ll draw.

There were plenty of good players for the Cobras and without singling too many individuals out, the Dunn brothers Sam and George were exceptional.

In the backs Ben Trappel and Kurt Blowes showed glimpses of brilliance of what could be in more favourable conditions.

Next week Clarence Town are again at home against arch rivals the Dungog Warriors. 

It’s been several years since the two teams have clashed and this anticipated home derby will attract one on the largest crowds Clarence Town Oval has seen for quite some time. 

Kick off on Sunday is at 2pm.

The game will be preceded by a market day with more than 30 stalls assembling at the ground from 8am-noon so come along and grab a bargain.

The Cobras annual jumper number auction will be conducted immediately after the game back at the club’s major sponsors the Erringhi Hotel. Two jersey numbers will be drawn on the night. Members draw will also be a $200 pool.

CLARENCE TOWN  14:   Tries:  Paul Mascord, Brad Johnson, Jarod Rits. Goal: Ben Bradley 1

Best forward: Sam Dunn; Best back: Kurt Blowes; Supporters’ award: George Dunn; Best benchy: Lachlan Jones; Players’ player: Sam Dunn; Best and fairest points:  3 Sam Dunn,  2 George Dunn,  1 Rob Elliott.

The Dungog Warriors and Paterson River have a delayed start to the season with their weekend fixtures postponed because the grounds were too wet for play.

The Warriors were set to start the season against competition newcomers Kearsley Crushers under lights on Friday at Bennett Park.

Dungog is hoping to have the game rescheduled to Thursday, April 13, ahead of the Easter break.

Paterson Sportsground was also washed out for Paterson River’s home game against Gloucester on Saturday night. A date has not been set for a rescheduled fixture.

In round two, The Rivers travel to Stockton on Sunday. Stroud are home to Karuah on Saturday.

In other completed C-grade games on the weekend, Hinton 24 defeated Stroud 16 and Waratah Mayfield 28 defeated Wallsend Maryland 20.