Either way, Orange Hawks’ league tag side just did, emphatically knocking off defending Group 10 premiers Blayney 22-4 in the two clubs’ opening round clash at King George Oval on Saturday.

The two teams were scheduled to meet in round two, on April 16, but with that being Easter weekend Blayney and Hawks agreed to have the fixture moved forward to April 2.

That date, however, didn’t suit the Bears’ league tag outfit, resulting in last Saturday’s very early opening competition game of the season.

After going down 4-0 early in the piece, Hawks produced 22 unanswered points to get their 2017 campaign off to a winning start.

Erin Naden bagged a double, while Lailee Phillips and Kasey Byrne also scored tries in the win. Bec Ford booted two goals, Amanda Livingstone one, to complete the 18-point triumph.

It’s the second time Hawks has beaten the Bears in March, with the two blues also coming from behind to snatch a 4-1 semi-final victory in the pre-season, Western Challenge at Canowindra.

And coach Marty Lyden couldn’t be happier.

“All of the girls have really bought into what we’re trying to achieve this season, and that’s winning,” Lyden said.

“We’ve had a great pre-season and to come out and win our first game like that, it’s really encouraging for the girls.”

Lyden backed his side’s defence to continue to lift it throughout the initial stages of the Group 10 season.

“Against a side like Blayney you have to defend well and we did that, I think,” he said.

“And Lailee Phillips and Erin Naden were absolutely outstanding.”

ORANGE HAWKS 22 (Erin Naden 2, Lailee Phillips, Kasey Bryne tries; Bec Ford 2, Amanda Livingstone goals) def BLAYNEY BEARS 4