Daine Richards, Jamin Barrett each scored two to steamroll Dapto 6-1, meaning Falcons sit atop the competition ladder. 

Albion Park drew 2-all with arch-rivals Uni and Steve Mayo knows they will face another difficult assignment.

“It’s a tough start to the season, but we’re looking forward to it,” Mayo said. 

“A draw was probably a fair result against Uni, we both had chances to win. It was a good quality game, especially considering we’re only two games in. Falcons have certainly showed they will be hard to beat as well this season.”

Albion Park goalkeeper Nathan Ackroyd was among the standouts, however, Uni equalised with 10 minutes remaining as it finished in a stalemate.

The Park have also welcomed back Rhys Gray and Dean Nealon to add to their first grade artillery.

But Falcons connection with Uni has helped ensure they are an emerging force.

ILLAWARRA HOCKEY

Round three

Albion Park 2 (Brady Anderson, Scott Govers) drew with University 2 (Brock McCracken, Callum Mackay)

Falcons 6 (Daine Richards 2, Jamin Barrett 2, James Fisher, Alex Hile) d Dapto 1 (Kevin Mansell)

Wests 8 d Mittagong 0

Ladder: Falcons 9, Wests 7, Albion Park 4, Uni 2, Robertson, Dapto, Mittagong 0.

Round four

Sunday: Albion Park v Falcons, Mittagong v Robertson, University v Dapto. 

Wests bye