The Mustangs Ladies League Tag side earned their first victory of the season and upset the competition leaders the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks 16-4 on Sunday.

The side began the year with four straight losses and were stranded on the bottom of the table, however their coach Tim Moorehead believes the victory will kickstart their season.

“They finally backed their ability, skills and played with team comradity – all working for and trusting each other to throw the ball around,” Moorehead said.

“Their confidence was high after the match and we discussed taking that into the next game and building momentum for the rest of the season.”

The ladies have a strong opportunity to win back-to-back games when they travel to Wingham to face the winless Tigers on Sunday.

A victory could lift them to fifth spot on the ladder and begin a finals push with more than half a season remaining.

Moorehead credited his hooker Ash Moorehead and halfback Kiralea Davis for leading the team.

“Their organisation in attack helped set up the plays that lead to us scoring. They were great in defence too,” Moorehead said.

The Mustangs and Hawks were locked at four at half time but the Mustangs finished the match stronger, crossing for two tries in the final five minutes.

Tahlia Duroux-Lancaster, Jamie-Lee Morris and Davis were the try scorers for the Mustangs.

Davis crossed for the final try of the match, to put the nail in the coffin for the Hawks.