Both sides started at a frantic pace with Bungendore scoring first to take an early 4 nil lead. The Hawks soon hit back with converted tries to Matt Stewart and Graham Moorby for the Hawks to lead 12-4. Not to be denied Bungendore scored 3 converted tries to lead 22-12 at half time. Bungendore received some assistance with their resurgence as an all in brawl broke out 10 minutes before half time and Abed Atallah and a Bungendore player subsequently spent time in the sin bin. During this period, the side lost some of its rhythm without Abed. (Abed’s uncle, Jamel, was heard muttering Abed would lose more than rhythm if Harden lost!).

The second half saw a much more determined and fluent Hawks side. Two minutes in and Joe Dyball scored a great try which was again converted by Abed. This was the start of a fantastic second half with Joe scoring again and tries to Andrew Jones (2) (which included an awesome Hawk swoop flying try) and a great try by Nathan Muscat who crossed over in the corner. Abed was in fine form with the kicking duties which including a successful kick from right on the sideline. This was enough to send the Tigers off with their tail between their legs with the final score of Harden Hawks 42, Bungendore Tigers 20.

It was a very impressive start to the season with all players contributing to a super win. The coaches and Mobil Harden award went to Matt Stewart; the Player’s player was Graham Murray and Luke Brown was awarded Man of the Match.

It was a great-crowd, particularly as nearly all in attendance were Hawks fans and the football club had a very successful day. The oval looked fantastic and the Club would particularly like to thank Mathew Schofield for all his efforts and everyone else who contributed. It was a bit of a mad scramble at the last minute to clean all the facilities but it was all good on the day. And how cute were young Jesse and Jack Glover dressed as junior Hawks leading the players out on the field.