Hawk Gets Wing Clipped As Hamilton Pass Tough Test

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 4, 2008

By NEIL GOFFET

A SHOULDER injury to star five-eighth Damien Wells was the only negative in an otherwise perfect performance from Hamilton on Saturday as they disposed of Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union rivals Maitland 35-6.

Hamilton coach Scott Coleman said the game against the Blacks on their home ground at Marcellin Park was the last big test for his side heading towards the finals.

His assessment of the performance was a tick in every box even the scrums, where Maitland were expected to dominate.

"All facets of our game were excellent, and we even held our own in the scrum," Coleman said.

"We pinched probably six of their lineouts and had almost 70 per cent of the ball, which allowed us to dominate the game."

Leading the way for Hamilton was birthday boy Pete Maxwell, who celebrated turning 30 on Saturday with a sensational game in the front row.

"Chopper [Maxwell] was unbelievable. It was probably the best game of his career," Coleman said. "I'm not sure if it was because of his birthday or because we were up against a very good forward pack, but before the game he was walking around and firing everyone up.

"He grabbed six turnovers, which is unheard of for a prop.

"He's a freak."

Coleman also praised the efforts of Maxwell's brother Steve at No.8, second-rower Dan Palmer and tight-head prop Travis Soulsby.

Maxwell scored one of Hamilton's four tries, which gave the Hawks a bonus point to remain equal first with Merewether-Carlton.

"Really, our whole forward pack was awesome," Coleman said.

The injury to Wells was the only down side for the Hawks.

He will have X-rays today for a suspected crack in his scapula (shoulder blade).

"If it's cracked, then he will be out for the season, but if it's only a hairline fracture, he might be back in four or five weeks," Coleman said. "If it's just a stinger [cork], he might only be out for two of three weeks."

Hamilton are now favourites to take the minor premiership. They have three matches remaining against lowly ranked sides Nelson Bay, Lake Macquarie and Wanderers.

The Greens receive no points for their final-round bye but stayed in touch for now courtesy of a thumping 48-12 win over Singleton at Rugby Park.

Hooker Daniel Garner was voted players' player, but wingers Sam Clifton and Blake Creighton did the damage on the scoreboard with three tries apiece.

Battlers Southern Beaches got off to a flying start when they led 12-0 after 15 minutes against Wanderers at Barton Oval but were blown away in the second half and lost 72-12.

Easts rose to third when they defeated University 30-13 at Hexham Oval. Lake Macquarie scored their fifth win of the season when they beat Nelson Bay 33-26 at Strong Oval.