STEVE Duncombe is fighting to be fit in time for this weekend’s Moralee League double-header against Whitley Warriors.

The Hawks coach has not seen action since last year, but hopes to be back in the frame when Hawks host Warriors today (5.45pm) and then for the return against the same opposition tomorrow at 5pm.

“It is terribly frustrating to be on the sidelines, but I’ll just have to wait and see what the physiotherapist says and whether I can get going again,” said Duncombe.

“I injured my groin a month ago and it has taken a bit of time to heal, but I’m desperate to get out on the ice.”

Duncombe, though, has tipped his side to do well in both games this weekend as Hawks boast a decent record against the men from Tyne and Wear.

“We always seem to do well against Whitley Warriors, and I fancy us to get a couple of positive results,” he said.

“They are a very physical side, that’s how they play, but I don’t mind that one bit.

“Sometimes if you get some rough and tumble and a bit of bad blood spills into the game a day later it can be a bit tasty, but it can also add an extra edge to your game.”

A win against Nottingham and a defeat to Solway Sharks last weekend leaves Hawks in fifth.

“There was some good plusses from the Nottingham game and any win is a big confidence booster and we needed that,” Duncombe added.

“But I’m convinced that there’s still more to come, it is just our lack of consistency has seen us lose our way a little bit.

“We went through a good patch of winning and we seemed to be on top form.

“Then we lost a couple and it just knocked the stuffing out of us and we got a bit down.

“Saying that, though, if Hawks finish the season fourth or fifth in the table then I’d be satisfied because all the teams above us are operating with much bigger budgets.”

Duncombe says the recent absence of forward Kieran Brown through injury has proved to be a handicap to the Hawks squad.

He added: “Having Kieran out is a massive loss, and I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that he will be back soon because he gives so much to the side and is a very influential player.”