Thirty-five games.
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That's how long St Pat's incredible win streak in the Group 10 league tag competition has been going for, and has locked the side in for a week off in the opening salvo of finals, but they've finally met a side who look like knocking them off their perch.
The latest win was over Hawks in a game with all the hallmarks of a grand final preview, and the Saints had to push hard in order to earn their 22-20 win at Jack Arrow Oval.
They were given a big scare by a Hawks team who have looked like the only side capable of bowling over the Saints this year.
They're an impressive side and will be really hard to stop.
- Pat's president Dave Chapman talking about Hawks
Victory makes Pat's the second Group 10 team, after the unbeaten Lithgow Workies reserve grade side, to have wrapped up the number one spot on the ladder.
Pat's president Dave Chapman said the Saints are finding form at the right time of the year across their grades.
"We had some really great, tight results. The league tag girls were really pushed and reserve grade won on the bell, so things are looking great for those teams heading into semis," he said.
"They're setting a platform for first grade but it's just been the story of the year where our early grades are having success and premier league isn't. We're just missing key players in key positions and that's been the story for us all year."
Victory for the reserve grade men has put them in prime position to secure a qualifying semi-final match.
The under 18s boys can make it two minor premierships for the Saints this season if they can overcome the Blayney Bears this Sunday.
Premier league had a tougher outing over the weekend in their 50-10 defeat to Hawks.
Despite the score Champman couldn't fault the side's level of effort, saying it was more a case of Hawks' brilliance than Pat's errors.
"Hawks had a hell of a lot more to play for, with them being even on top with Bathurst Panthers, and they were eager to maintain that point differential advantage," he said.
"They certainly did that. They're an impressive side and will be really hard to stop."
St Pat's are guaranteed to have four teams in the Group 10 finals series, with their under 18s league tag team also making the cut.
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