Harden Murrumburrah was buzzing with footy fever last Saturday on a perfect autumn day which saw the Harden Hawks defeat the South West Brahmans 28-10. Like the good old days, McLean Oval was bursting at the seams for a full day of football starting with Junior League. This is a first for the HM Football Club and both committees worked well together and were very pleased with the result. The gate takings alone were approx $2500 for the Senior League.
Before the game it was great to see past Hawks great players, Nicky Cullen, Eric Kuhn and Lindsay Ellison enter the dressing sheds to give moral support to the new Hawks. Many Hawks fans ventured out for the first time in ages, including Kevin Spackman who hadn’t been to the football for 40 years. It must have really gladdened the hearts of Hawks stalwarts to see such a great crowd and the footy back in this town under the banner of the Harden Hawks. Those Stateline reporters in town a couple of weeks ago should have been at McLean on Saturday if they think the only thing this town has going for it is the Kruger Medical Centre.
The game itself was a bruising game of league with both sides desperately trying to get the upperhand in the early stages. Luke Brown scored first out wide for the Hawks from a Jason Pollard kick ahead to give the Hawks an early lead. The Brahmans hit back in the 17th minute and scored a converted try to lead 6-4 and shortly afterwards scored again to lead 10-4.
The game was then held up for some time while an ambulance was called to attend an injured Brahman’s player. Soon afterwards, Graham Murray (who has earnt the nick name “Benjamin Button” after the movie staring Brad Pitt about a guy who looks younger as he gets older), scored an excellent try in the corner for the Hawks to trail 8-10. Right on half time, Andrew Jones was able to dive on a dropped ball by the Brahmans to score an unconverted try for the Hawks to lead 14-10 at the break.
The Hawks started the second half well and soon went further ahead when Nathan Muscat stampeded through the Brahmans ranks to score. Jason Pollard scored next and wasn’t he a happy man. The try was converted by Abed Atallah taking the Hawks to a 24-10 lead. The last try resulted from a strong run by Mathew Stewart slipping a great pass to enable Nathan Muscat to score again in the corner. The last 20 minutes was dominated by good defence by both sides and neither side scored again. The final score was 28-10.
The Mobil Coach’s award was won by Nathan Muscat. Duncan Stewart received both the Player’s Player and Man of the Match awards. It was a great team effort by all players and particularly the defensive effort in the last 20 minutes of play. Well done also to both committees and everyone who helped on the day to make it such a success.
Next week there is a split round and the Hawks have a bye the following week. Hopefully, the jumpers will have arrived for the next game against Harman-this has been the only downside to a great start to the year and many clubs seem to be in the same boat. Clubs have to deal with suppliers affiliated with the CRL and it is extremely disappointing that clubs are constantly let down.
Lastly, the Binalong president can skite all he likes about the rematch in Binalong. The Hawks are looking to enlist the support of a “really big gun” in their side for the day and won’t be revealing any prior information!
Until next time, go the Hawks.
CH
Email a friend