Unconvincing. Thats about the only way to describe the Hawks performance in the Seniors last Saturday despite taking the 4 points. The reserves, on the other hand, were very convincing with a comprehensive win. The U/17s were well beaten but by no means disgraced while the Under 14s played out another nailbiter before failing by the smallest of margins.
For the second successive week, the Under 14s game went to the wire. After the draw against Rumba, they fell a point short in a thriller last weekend. Its no wonder Mick Dunns hair is thinning by the day!
The boys opened slowly but were right in the match at half time, trailing by 3 points. A very good third term saw them lead by 9 points at three quarter time but the final term let them down. They booted 2 points while the Lions managed 2 majors to steal a win. Jake Russell (Barooga General Store) tried to provide the run and inspiration to get the side over the line but too often he was playing a lone hand. Max Aksionov (Barooga Bakery) was a dangerous forward, Logan Morey (Healthy Foods) and Daniel Russell (Outdoor Indulgence) were good contributors while Troy Metzner won the encouragement award.
Young Lachlan Wright showed his more experienced teammates how to approach the footy and, according to the coach, its time some of the older lads stood up instead of leaving it to the younger kids to do the hard work. If this happens the wins will flow again.
Mulwala are traditionally very strong in the Under 17s and this season is no exception. However the result of Saturdays game doesnt give a true indication of how the Hawks performed. Eight players were unavailable and 3 U/14s helped out but despite this the boys never conceded at any stage. Their tenacity, chasing and tackling was a feature but the effort took its toll and the Lions were able to run away with the match in the second half.
Josh McGaw (Menthas) played his best game for the year and was outstanding throughout. Hayden Atkinson-Thring (Andrew Jenkins Real Estate) provided plenty of drive and his tackling set up scoring opportunities. Luke Robinson (Babcon Hire) was hard at it and showed what he is capable of and Sam Jenkins (Barooga General Store) continues to play well every week. Matt Connors (Barooga Bakery) is also in good form while Conor Ryan, Cam Nye and Brett Nye played well.
Jonos twos are travelling very nicely at the moment and last Saturday they had an abundance of talent on the park. Hayden Woodward, Rowan OCallaghan and Damion OCallaghan had Hawks supporters salivating at the thought of them returning to the seniors. Glenn Horse Nye, James Pinny Hazelman, Travis Nye and Daniel Brophy are also knocking on the door so things are looking pretty good with plenty of pressure on for spots in the ones and Im sure all these guys names will come up at the selection table this week.
The mass exodus of players from the Lions den over the summer made the Hawks job a little easier but the grand final loss to Mul last year was still burning in the guts. A 109 point win did a bit to douse the flames but only a flag this season will extinguish them. Award winners were Hayden Woodward (Barooga Hotel), Jimmy Brooks (Babcon Hire) with 7 goals, Rowan OCallaghan (Bottom Pub) and Horse Nye (Barooga Sporties). Broph, Pinny and Trav were others to do well.
Coming off the Rumba win was always going to be a battle for the seniors, however good teams always respect all opposition sides. On Saturday it appeared as though the Hawks paid little or no respect to Mulwala and consequently they had to battle all day to shake off the determined young Lions.
There is only one way to play small ovals and that is straight down the corridor but too often we went wide, overused the ball or our disposal was poor. Shades of the Moama game but this time we got away with the four points. There appears to be little between the top four sides so percentage could determine the top two and the double chance. We need to approach every game with the same intensity and bury sides if we are to snare one of them.
Marty Moose Brooks was again a pillar of strength in defence and Brent Chappy Chapman with 6 goals was our leading forward and they took out the Major Incentive awards. Ashley Round and Andrew Smith received the Minor Incentive awards. Four quarter efforts were hard to come by hopefully that changes this week.
We host Finley today and they have been struggling to date but never underestimate a wounded Cat!!
~ Squawk.
Netball
11/U: Barooga 2-Mulwala 32. Brays Canteen and Barooga Bakery awards went to Jessica Brooks and Lara Evans
13/U: Barooga 12-Mulwala 36. The girls had a fantastic first half. It was neck and neck most of the way, but unfortunately Mulwala just couldnt seem to miss a goal. Skills and tactic are really starting to click within the team which is rewarding for our young girls. With things falling into place, and the girls working hard each week, the teams we have yet to play better watch out! Barooga General Store Georgia Wright, Theresas Award Kayla Eddy
15/U: Barooga 18-Mulwala 23. Wonderful game of netball by all nine girls. After leading all game a lack of focus and basic errors saw Mulwala take advantage and capitalise. Overall the improvement is there and can only get better. Cobram Rural Centre and Theresa�s Awards went to Taylah and Mikala
17/U: Barooga 17-Mulwala 49. Great effort by all girls, just need to keep our heads up for the whole game! Barooga Bakery and Theresas awards went to Hannah and Sophie
C Reserve: Barooga 46-Mulwala 27. A great game from the girls they were up against some young fast legs, however strong defensive play and accurate goaling gave us a well deserved win. A fantastic all over team effort. Things are beginning to click, lets keep it going!! Wingates Awards: Sports: Maddy, Bottom Pub:: Hayley
C Grade: Barooga 45-Mulwala 30. Even with an ankle injury and a sickness, everyone played a great game, showing really good defence through the whole court. Fantastic endurance in the centre by Jess. Good movement through the whole court. We have to work on being switched on from the first quarter and keep it for the whole game- better teams will capitalise on this if we keep up the slow starts. More communication on court, when you talk it looks great and every one works better as a team. Wish there were 9 awards to give because everyone played absolutely outstanding! Award to Emma Mellier
B Grade: Barooga 42-Mulwala 36. Bottom Pub Meal Voucher Award went to Bridget
A Grade: Barooga 30-Mulwala 53. A disappointing result as we thought we could win this one or at least put in a better performance than we did. We only had one good quarter. Playing out all four quarters may see us win these ones. Hopefully we can get a big win on the board against Finley. Wingate Sports Award to Jodie.
GO HAWKS!!!