The Group 10 top-of-the-table clash also doubled as the two blues’ old boys day, the club wearing the blue and gold colours of a hugely successful Ex-Services era spanning the late 1960s and 1970s.

The club won a number of premierships across all grades in that time and based on Saturday’s 22-point triumph over a tough and classy Magpies – a side many regard as premiership contenders - there’s no reason Willie Heta’s Hawks can’t emulate the sort of success the club’s old boys enjoyed during their time at the top over four decades ago.

Composed, physical and willing to dig in when the going gets tough, Hawks continue to produce when it matters most and come the end of round 11 sit two points clear on top of the ladder – where they’ve now been for five straight weeks.

Heta was brilliant for the hosts but it was his little halves partner that did the majority of the damage.

Talimalie’s combination with Tuheke on Hawks’ left edge has the potential to develop into one of the most damaging in the competition.

“And that’s all we’re trying to do, get a few combinations going. I knew what Ray would bring to the team and Rakai, he’s a great hole runner,” Heta said.

“The game was in the balance there where momentum could have gone either way and thankfully it went our way.”

Hawks started the better of the two sides and that early ascendancy translated into points when man-mountain Saul Houma barged his way over from close range to score the opening try of the game.

The visitors hit back shortly after through Warren Williams but an error after scoring points gifted Hawks decent field position which, in 2018, is an invitation Heta’s outfit invariably turns into four points.

Saturday’s Wade Park blockbuster was no different.

Talimalie bagged his first after dancing through the line before Baker nabbed a quick-fire brace, the first an incredible aerial effort to touch down in the corner, racing the Group 10 competition leaders to an 18-4 lead.

Mitch Browne edged the swoopers to within eight points just before half-time with a well-deserved four-pointer to give Cowra hope heading into the sheds.

The battling big birds went swoop for swoop to start the second stanza via tries to Talimalie and Caley Mok to progress the score to 24-14, but the visitors fell apart late in the game as the enigmatic Hawks halfback and Baker both completed hat-tricks to wrap up the 36-14 victory.

Unsung back-rower  Tuheke was tremendous for the hosts while replacement prop Coyte was made to play big minutes after Houma went off early with a knee complaint.

Heta said Houma’s knee will be an ongoing issue for the big man.

It’s a problem the club is managing so far but there’s another factor Hawks are also quickly learning to deal with – expectation.

“It’s an old one, but for us it’s only one week at a time ... I can’t even tell you who we play next week. We’re just focused on what’s in front of us,” Heta said.

“We’ll be tested every week, it’s second half of the year and everyone wants the two points. Nothing changes in my frame of mind.

“Everyone's bought into what Bobby and myself are trying to bring to the club and I think that’ll stand us in good stead.”

Magpies coach Steve Sutton lamented Cowra’s poor discipline and ball control in a loss, he says, blew out in the final 10 minutes with a couple of late Hawks tries.

Sutton’s Magpies haven’t had a lot of luck against Hawks, either, with three tries disallowed on Saturday at Wade Park.

“We’ve played our two worst games against Hawks … I’m not sure whether that has anything to do with how (Hawks) play, but we just got to be better,” Sutton said.

“We invited them into our own half and when they’re in your 20 they’re a dangerous footy team. We basically handed it to them.

“We respect them as a good side, as we should, they’re on top of the ladder, but do we fear them? No. We’ve just got to bring our best out next time we play, which I hope we get a chance to later in the year.”