They took to the field like seasoned campaigners and were far from awed by the big occasion. Harden was the first to score when Jake Arabin managed to stand and flick a magnificent, one-handed pass out the back to Jack Alcorn who with great backing up was in the right place at the right time, and he dived over the line for the first try and his first for the season. Number one goal kicker “Benji” Bolger stepped up and converted, taking it to a six nil lead.

The game plan went out the window and the Hawks spent more time defending the strong Tumut Blues than on the attack. It didn’t take the Blues long to level the score and by half time they were leading 10 - 6.

For the first ten minutes of the second half, the Hawks made silly fundamental mistakes, which frustrated them (and the coach/parents) and allowed Tumut to score another converted try, 16 -6 and victory seemingly beyond them.

Inspirational words from Oscar lifted them, along with a mistake by Tumut, saw a more disciplined and determined effort and a turning point. A penalty on their own 20 metre line, Joe “Blocker” Stewart took the penalty kick, gaining 40 metres. The crowd could see the boys lift and as they’ve done all year the forward pack took up a couple of huge runs and put Joe into a gap and he charged over the line carrying four defenders to score in the corner. Charlie “Courageous” could sense the urgency and quickly converted with only two minutes left on the clock. The crowd was on their feet, was there a glimmer of hope??- could they do it?? The mounting pressure on the Tumut team took its toll as they kicked the ball out on the full. A renewed energy saw three big hit-ups from the forwards and Tumut in their desperation, gave away another penalty for a high tackle. With only forty seconds left on the clock and twenty meters between the tap-kick and the try line, it came down to who wanted this the most. A great charge by Captain Travis up the middle was the ideal settler, allowing the boys to get organised and quick hands to the edge, saw Patrick “Campese” Smith drag five players over the line to put the ball down and level the score -16 all. The crowd went wild!!! The boys jumped for joy, cheering and congratulating each other. After a quick discussion “Blocker” Stewart took the ball and had everyone holding their breath, taking his time to place the ball and as the siren sounded (just to add a little more pressure) he threw the headgear & mouth guard to the ground, took a couple of steps back, then hit the ball sweetly, sending it over the black dot, to hit the lead - 18 points to 16! The footy Gods had shone on the little Hawks, with much jubilation, celebration and excitement on Nixon Park they’d snatched victory and became the Premiers for 2009.

Congratulation to a great bunch who have become a formidable TEAM - the forward pack of Will, Ari, Travis, Joe, Charlie, Jack, & Blake H; and the backs Jake, Nathan, Patrick, Rory, Chris, Blake Mac, Adam, Parham & Cory. A well deserved man of the match went to Jake Arabin, congratulations Jake on receiving the Rick Kiest trophy for ‘best player on field’.

A huge THANK YOU to the Harden Country Club, who at short notice catered for the post match celebrations and team dinner. We appreciate your effort, hospitality and delicious cuisine enjoyed in a great venue, with a great atmosphere. Very fitting to top off a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day, celebrating at the Harden Country Club - home of the Hawks. As the boys are still keen to play footy, the Under 10 Premiers will play the Kangaroos (premiers of Southern Pool) in a Champion of Champions match to be held at Cootamundra this Saturday 12th commencing at 9:30. Training on Thursday as usual.

We apologise to Blake Huntly who was unfortunately omitted from last week’s “Player Profiles”.

Congratulations to the U12’s, Daryn, Beau, Peter and Mick for their gallant effort, just making the grand final was a huge feat, they certainly didn’t lose any supporters with their magnificent game against Junee. GO THE HAWKS!!