The Harden Hawks overcame a rough start to defeat the Crookwell Green Devils in last weekend’s nail-biting grand final.
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Nathan Schofield’s boot secured the George Tooke Shield for the travelling Hawks, defeating Green Devils on their home turf with two conversions with a final score of 24-20.
There was plenty of spirit shown with a large contingent of spectators joining the Hawks on their trip to Crookwell Memorial Oval on Saturday, helping the Harden boys bounce back from a 10-0 deficit to lead 18-10 at halftime.
The second half was very tight, with both sides showing their determination to claim the shield.
By full-time both teams had crossed the line four times apiece, but it was Schofield’s goal-kicking accuracy and a last-minute save that delivered victory to the tourists.
Schofield himself scored one of Harden’s tries, with Adam Byrne, Jonathon Pouono and Nick McArthur rounding out the final tally.
Nathan Schofield put his body on the line to save a try with second remaining.
- Hawks president Jason Pollard
Hawks president Jason Pollard said it was great to take out the premiership after an eight-year drought.
“Coach Matt McLay must take a lot of credit as a first year coach, they had a very strong game in the grand final,” Pollard said.
“(Hawks) captain Luke Brown had a great season and inspired his team all year. Jonathon Pouono caused Crookwell headaches every time he touched the ball, Nathan Schofield scored a great try and he kicked goals from everywhere, making the difference in the end.”
Brown and Jayke Hogan shared the man of the match.
It was the end to a great year for the club, with the youth league capping off an undefeated season 36-0 over the North Canberra Bears and the Hawkettes refusing to give up despite going down to the Bungendore Tigers in their grand final.