CAPTAIN Simon O’Brien inspired premiers Cardiff to a 15-point win over arch rivals Newcastle City at Hillsborough Oval on Saturday in an action-packed start to the Black Diamond Cup season.
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O’Brien kicked three goals, including two in the second quarter, and was strong at the stoppages.
In a seesawing affair, the Hawks led 27-21 at quarter-time and 52-29 at the main break.
The visitors hit back, kicking five straight to lead by four points at the final turn.
But the home side found another gear. Small forward Lachlan Price kicked two straight and Jack Lennon also kicked a goal to get the Hawks home 14.9 (93) to 11.12 (78).
Apart from O’Brien, Andrew Walker and Liam Gibson were strong for the Hawks.
Young gun Jack Hardman made a spectacular return to Warners Bay, kicking five goals to lead the Bulldogs to a 15.9 (99) to 5.8 (38) home win over Killarney Valel.
At Dick Burwell Oval, Terrigal-Avoca thrashed Nelson Bay 22.11 (143) to 4.3 (27).
Maitland, Black Diamond Plate premiers last season, opened their top grade account with a win over Lake Macquarie 12.13 (85) to 6.16 (52).
In the final game, Wyong Lakes beat Gosford 20.11 (131) to 11.5 (71).
