Despite leading for much of the game and 37-points from John Philip the IMB Illawarra Seahawks came up short - 90:101 - against a fired up Newcastle Hunters, who played an intense 48-minute game.

The IMB Illawarra Seahawks had a successful start the the new Waratah ABL season with a solid 105 to 74 victory over the Canberra Nationals at the Snakepit on Saturday.