The Harden Hawks have beaten the Snowy River Bears on Saturday at JJ Connors Oval in Jindabyne 38 -10.
Coach Nick Hall said it was good to win due to how much time the trip takes.
“It’s a hard trip because you go 5 hours, 6 hours down and then another 5 or 7 back by the time you have a few breaks and stops. It is a big day. The trip can beat you sometimes. Not just the trip, but the thought of the trip, because some players don’t get up for it, so to go down there and get the win and come back was good.
“Jindabyne were mentally up for it, physically up for it, and they made a real game of it too. They played pretty well. With all that in mind, I was happy with the win.
“We scored early, and it probably gave us a false sense of security, and then Jindabyne really pulled back, and they had a really good middle of the game. The 15 minutes into halftime and the 15 minutes out of halftime, they played well.
“It was a hard old game. It was a nice day. The crowd were good, the plays were good. It was played in the right spirit, so all those things are good.
“We are playing Bungendore this week, grand final replay; in the last 2 grand finals, they beat us, so there’s a real feeling there from both sides that we must win. We beat them in the first round, and I’m sure they’re coming back. They’re playing much better footy in the last half of the year. They’re setting themselves for a run back at the semis, and that starts with us this week.
“They’ve normally been pretty strong, and they have brought a few players back into their side in the last 5 or 6 games, so there are some old faces and some experienced guys coming back into their team, which really stiffens them up. Travelling is also a factor. We have to travel there and play them, which is a good couple of hours there and back. Our two big trips are grouped together with Jindabyne and Bungendore.
“Then we’ve got one more game against Crookwell, so it’s three tough games. We’ve got those two. Then we’ve got a bye and then North Canberra, so some tough footy coming up for us.
“This time of year, we’re all tired, all a bit beat up. We got some injuries, and it’s wet, so hopefully the rain’s clear.”
Harden will play Bungendore at Mick Sherd Oval on Saturday.
Jack Murray
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