The Hawks started well and three minutes into the game, the end of a great back line movement saw Graham Murray score a try which was converted by Abed Atallah. The Hawks continued to apply the pressure and in the seventh minute, Atallah took a great pass to score a try which was unconverted. The Hawks continued to control the ball well and the defence was relentless giving Boomanulla no chance to get into the game in the first half.

Luke Brown scored next after a great individual run. Following a conversion by Atallah, the Hawks led 16-0. In the 19th minute, Big Joe Dyball split the defence to score an excellent try which was converted (Abed was on fire!). Further tries were then scored by Nathan Schofield and Andrew Jones which were both converted. The Hawks led 34-0 at half time.

The second half saw a much more committed Boomanulla side however they were still held scoreless for the game. Harden did not score again until the 13th minute when Brendan Ford scored in the corner which was followed by another great conversion from Atallah. Using spoiling tactics, Boomanulla slowed the Hawks attack and more fighting led to a sinbinning of players from both sides. At one stage, it was a bit like the

“bodyline series” - “there are 2 sides out there and one side is playing football” (as opposed to cricket). With 8 minutes to go, Joel Blundell, who had a great game, scored an excellent individual try which was converted by Atallah resulting in a final score 46-0.

The defence of the Hawks has been outstanding and in the last 2 games they have not had any points scored against them.

The Mobil Coach’s award was given to Abed Atallah, Joel Blundell was voted Player’s Player and also Man of the Match. The coach also nominated Joe Dyball and Brendan Ford as other outstanding players though it was hard to single players out when they all showed such commitment.