More than 20 teams took to the field last weekend in the under-13, under-15, under-17 and open women’s age groups.

Port City Breakers, Port Sharks, Wauchope Blues, Beechwood and Lake Cathie all represented the Hastings.

They were joined by Old Bar, Taree Panthers, Taree Rovers, Forster, Wingham and Lower Macleay who also made the trip as the Hastings League and Group 3 competitions combined.

Hastings League chief executive Geoff Connor wasn’t surprised by the number of girls teams that took to the field.

“It was double from last year, but we rushed things a bit last year,” he said.

Connor admitted the winter competition had also helped the numbers swell.

“The girls really loved it and we’re hosting it to continue to get the game growing,” he said.

“At the end of the six-week competition we’ll have a North Coast side picked in the open girls age group who will compete at the Country Championships.”

Each team played two games each.

Lake Cathie were the surprise packets in the under-13s, winning both their games (14-12 over Wauchope and 16-6 over Port Sharks).

Wingham and Wauchope registered two wins from two matches in the under-15s while Taree Panthers went through with two wins in the under-17s.

Kendall were the most impressive open women’s team and conceded just the one try and scored 52 points in their two games.

Old Bar also went through undefeated.

The action continues this Saturday from midday at Lank Bain Sporting Complex.