Rd. 13 Weekender Notes
Today the Hawks travel over to Moama, attempting to keep our final aspirations alive and kicking. Had a pretty productive day last week against Tongala, which made for an enjoyable night at the club ball. It’s amazing what atmosphere is created when everyone has a red hot go and some of the efforts put in, created some pretty smooth gangsters and gorgeous dolls!! Well done to those who attended.
Seniors
Last week saw the Seniors recapture the form they will need to carry through if they are to have any chance of being a premiership threat. They produce arguably their best quarter of football in the opening stanza to virtually blow the game apart. The offensive part of their game was very attacking and this was being complimented by some disciplined defensive work. An eight goal to nil opening saw the Hawks holding sway by 52 points at the first change. Kicking into the breeze in the second, the match turned into a stale-mate just through some poor skill execution from both sides. Although this was the case, the Hawks were still able to maintain the defensive side of their game, keeping the Blues goal-less for a second consecutive quarter. Adding a couple of goals enabled the Hawks to extend their lead to 73 points at the long orange break. The Hawks continued in the same vein after the break, with the intensity at the footy and player being ferocious. Where they fell away the week before was certainly being a thing of the past, as the Blues players found it hard to escape the clutches of some terrific tackling. This resulted in the Hawks controlling the game across half-back, repelling any forward thrusts the Blues could manage. The Hawks continued their dominance over the park and found themselves blowing the lead out to 105 points. The last quarter turned into an even contest, with the Blues, to their credit, playing the game out. It was a bit disappointing that the Hawks couldn’t continue their overpowering, losing the last quarter by a point. All in all, it was a fantastic 104 point win to the Hawks and just what the doctor the ordered in getting them ready for the torrid month ahead. “Magic” Mick Sumner produced another polished display, showing he’s not all flair by racking up 10 tackles along with the 40+ touches he accumulated. Harvs demonstrated his prowess with another solid display rotating up forward and through the midfield. Pinny strung his second brilliant display in as many weeks and this is the consistency he needs to produce to take his game to the next level. Hilly made a welcomed return and his drive was a huge factor that the side missed the previous week, Pricey returned to his early season form, being a rock across half-back and “Muscles” O’Dwyer also made a super return from a couple of weeks off through injury. Huge game today with a win maintaining their position in the six. A loss.............????????
Reserves
The Reserves came up against a side, which they have had some great tussles with over recent years. Although the Tonny boys are struggling a bit this year, conditions made it an even playing field where it was no place for the faint-hearted. The Hawks put in a dogged performance to come away with an invaluable 4 points and keep their finals’ dreams alive. Can probably thank the Tongala Full Forward for his help as well, with his no-look shot on goal from the edge of the goal square missing when Tonny was kicking into the breeze!!!! One of the most bizarre things seen by this scribe! Anyway, Benny McNeill staked claims for a Senior recall as did Rhys Holt; both playing exceptional games. Jas Connor was fantastic at CHF and Randy Connors did a marvellous job in the last line of defence. Col Ross got his opportunity up forward and didn’t disappoint, and Jono defies his age, picking up some cheapies running out wide!! Big test today against the Mowers, who have been a power in the Reserves’ competition over the last couple of years.
U17s
The U17s strung together win number 5 in as many outings. The boys started the game extremely well and, although there were some tense moments, they were never in doubt and recorded a comfortable 27 point victory. They still have a chance to make the finals but will need to have a huge 3 weeks, starting with Moama today, where nothing but winning football will be sufficient for this to become a reality. For this to happen, each individual will need to stand up and be counted. If they are struggling, all they need to do is look to the likes of Jake Russell, Tom Currie, Arthur Rootsey, Ben Sim, Sean Barnett and Riley Brooks, who all had great games last Saturday.
U14s
Going into the game without arguably their #1 player didn’t help the U14s’ cause. With a couple of others missing, this meant that the younger players had to mix it with a Tonny side that had the edge in height and strength wise. Unfortunately the boys couldn’t continue their recent good form and, try as they might, weren’t able to overcome these factors, lowering their colours to the Blues by 58 points. Jake Jenkins, Hary Foster, Lachie Wright, Declan Brooks, Will Foster and Lachie Coburn all tried valiantly to lift the fortunes of the Hawks.
Netball
Netball wise, the girls had a mixed day at the office. A Grade produced their second victory for the year, overpowering last year’s Premiers to win 46 – 31. B and C Grades both suffered losses against sides above them on their respective ladders. B Grade went down 34 – 55, whilst C Grade managed 36 goals to Tongala’s 48. C Reserve continued to purple patch of form, continuing the mid-season winning streak and beating a side above them, by accounting for the Blues, 39 – 33. In the Juniors, the U17s fought hard but found the Tongala girls too strong, with the score line reading 9 – 23, the U15s and U13s also suffered defeats. In the U15 game, Tongala prevailed as the Hawks went down 8 goals to 17 goals, and the U13s experienced a similar fate at the hands of their competition’s leaders, losing 6 – 35. The Hawks’ U12 side continued their strong season, producing a polished performance to score an impressive 15 – 8 victory and cementing themselves in 2nd spot on the ladder.
Don’t forget tonight is the Sportsman’s night at the Civic Centre.
Have a great day and bring home the bacon!!! Remember what’s at stake!!!!!
Go the Hawks!