The Waratahs needed the win to stay within touching distance of first place while with so many teams fighting for the fourth and fifth positions the two points could also prove crucial for the visiting Hawks.

William Jaffrey made the best possible start for the Waratahs as he got across the line and with the successful conversion from James Girdler, it was 6-0 to the home side.

The Hawks refused to get swooped by the Waratahs as William Barnes, Patrick Ahnau and Glenn Dumbrell crossing and with Gary Ingram kicking well the Hawks went into the break with an 18-6 lead.

According to Hawks coach Nick Puntoriero, the halftime message was simple, and he wanted his side to come out and play as they did in the first 40 minutes.

Mitchell Pippin did precisely what his coach wanted as he crossed just two minutes into the second half to give the visiting side an 18-point lead.

The Waratahs found themselves in a usual position needing to mount quite a comeback if they were to go level at the top of the table even if it was only for 24 hours.

Graham Levu scored three minutes after the Pippin try before Waratahs coach Kose Lelei gave his side a chance of getting something out of the game to bring the team to within four points of the Hawks.

The Yanco-Wamoon side had different ideas with Troy Preston getting across the line with a matter of minutes remaining to wrap up the 30-20 win.

Puntoriero is pleased to see his side starting to put results on the board after a tough start to the season.

“I thought it would be a bit of a slow start to start off with, but it is coming together really well at the moment,” he said.

“I'm really happy with the way we are going. We were confident we could give it a fair shake. I'm more than happy with the boys.

“It was a real 17-man effort today. Some were better than others, but it really was a proper team effort.”

With the two points making the trip back along Irrigation Way with the Hawks it means there is now only a three-point difference between the fourth-placed Yanco-Wamoon side and the third-placed Yenda Blueheelers.

The Hawks will look to maintain their winning streak which currently sits on three when they return home to take on West Wyalong.

The Waratahs, on the other hand, will look to use the long trip to Hay to relaunch their season heading into the final five rounds of the season.