Injuries and unavailability decimated Taree’s roster leading into the match. Coach Gary Bridge was still piecing together a team on the morning of the game and the squad that trotted onto the field was vastly different to the one on the program.

Hooker Luke Murray and interchange forward Dane Cordner both withdrew – Murray with injury and Cordner through work commitments, causing Bridge to reshuffle the starting 13 for the umpteenth time. The Hawks preparation wasn’t perfect either, but it was far more settled than Taree’s was.

Bridge elevated under 18 utility back Jake Lauder onto the wing with Aden Avery switching to centre. Nathan Maher moved from centre to five-eighth and Matt Everitt from pivot to hooker.

Maher answered by producing his best game of the year. He scored two tries – one in each half and both were contrasting. On the first occasion he brushed aside tackles, then straightened up and showed strength to plough through further attempts to score under the posts. Maher produced some silky skills for the second when he cleverly chipped ahead into vacant territory to regather and score.

Fullback Dean Mills returned from injury and produced some of the energy the Bulls have lacked in recent weeks in a lively display. In the forwards second rowers Jesse Clarke and Will Clarke along with prop Thomas Berry worked hard. Josh McCartney at halfback showed touches of class in attack and led the side around the paddock.

The Hawks at times looked like taking control of the game, but just couldn’t deliver the killer blow. Ageless lock Chris Simon was sensational for Forster. His caused Taree plenty of headaches on the edges when he punched his way through tackles to get Forster’s attack rolling forward. Ben Murray at five-eighth was also strong while his goal kicking was excellent. He has claims to be the most improved player in Group Three.

The scores were locked at 18-18 after a fluctuating first half. Taree jumped to a 12-0 lead through tries to Mills and Maher both converted by McCartney. The Hawks responded when halfback Byram Stewart scored after a strong run from Stewart while centre James Handford laid on a four pointer to winger Kyle Carmody. Murray kicked both goals.Jesse Clarke pushed Taree four clear when he ran onto a McCartney pass for the halfback added the extras but just before the break Simon again splintered the defence to send second rower Beau Lowry charging over for Murray to slot the conversion.

The second half was similar to the first although the Bulls were ahead 32-22 at one stage. The Bulls looked to be wilting when Simon scored a great individual try converted by Murray, however, somehow they held on to book a berth in next week's minor semi-final.

It was an entertaining start to the finals series. Group officials will be hoping this continues for the next month.