After hearing the Bungendore Tigers had wounded some of their Brahman opposition last week, the Hawks knew they would be in for a physical game against the men in orange and black on Saturday.
The Hawks looked resplendent in their new maroon strip but found the early going tough. Soon after the kick-off, Bungendore, gained a 40/20 kick and from the resultant scrum win and a Hawks missed tackle the visitors were up 4-0.
Harden became their own worst enemy and managed to give away 6 stupid penalties within as many minutes. The last one gifting the Tigers their second try. The unsuccessful conversion made it 8-0.
Bungendore continued to bombard their opposition’s line and once again touched down for another 4-pointer. The Tigers had clawed their way to a good lead of 14-0.
The Hawks compounded their woes by not moving up quickly in a straight line in defence letting their “prey” dictate the defensive pattern. When given a penalty Harden failed to kick the ball out and it looked like the Tigers would run away with the match.
The Hawk’s troubles seemed to turn quickly when Alex Stewart charged over for a try and was soon followed by the wily Nick Fuller, who confused a few defenders as he dived over in the scoreboard corner. Harden’s goal kicker Josh Quinn was striking them well but was unable to get any between the post at this stage leaving the scoreboard at 14-8 as the half time siren sounded.
On resumption, Bungendore bombed a certain try with a wayward final pass which was all Harden’s fullback, Riley Manwaring needed when he flashed along the touch-line, swerved and wrong-footed the opposition full back and dived over to put the Hawks only 2 points behind and the scoreline at 14-12. Quinn again struck the ball well but was unlucky from wide out.
The Tigers could see the Hawks coming for them and the game picked up in tempo with both sides aggressively running and tackling each other. The Tigers knew they needed to score next and went in again wide out to have the Hawks worried at 18-12.
The digital score-board clock showed 7 minutes remaining and Harden were behind the eight ball, but still a chance at 18-12.
The never say die Harden Hawks, were being egged on by the crowd and attacked from deep inside enemy territory. The ball went to Hawks rising star forward Alex Stewart, the youngster proved how valuable he will be to the team when he palmed one Tiger and then carried another to the line to put the Hawks back into the game at 18-16 down.
The Tigers players began sledging Quinn from behind the goal line as he lined up for the conversion that would bring a loss or a draw for Harden in round 3 of the competition. Quinn steadied himself, and nonchalantly piloted the pressure kick straight between the posts, for an 18 all DRAW. Quinn returned serve to the Tigers players as he jogged back for the kick off with seconds left on the clock.
Best for Harden was Tyson Astill who had a “wow” of a game, ably assisted by Nick Fuller and Alex Stewart.
On Saturday it’s off to Binalong where the Hawks will take on the competition favourites the Binalong Brahmans. 3 matches will be played with the Hawkettes lining up as well as the “masters” match that will see some crowd favourites battle it out.
WINGS
