An under-strength Harden Hawks Rugby League team travelled to Walker Park on Saturday, to take on the Yass Magpies. Confronted by grey skies, and drizzling rain, both sides were coming off first round wins, and were venturing into the unkown.
On commencement of play, Harden received the ball, at the eastern end of the east-west running ground. Soon after the ball went out along Harden’s backline and with a bullet-like pass from five-eighth Josh Logue, winger Andrew Jones crossed for try number one in the corner. The conversion was astray and the Hawks led 4-0.
This lead was short lived however, with Yass posting a try soon after. The successful conversion saw the Magpies hit the front 6 points to 4.
The Hawks bounced back through new recruit Ray McDougal, who crashed over for a try out wide to put Harden back in the lead 8-6. This brought the half-time siren, and respite for the participants.
On resumption, Yass-Magpies obtained a penalty for Harden stripping the ball. Unfortunately for them they dropped the ball and Hawk’s player Josh Logue swooped on it and from his own 20m line raced 80m to score a great try.
Harden seemed to be on top leading 12-6 when Logue threw a magnificent cut-out pass which once again found its mark. The referee saw different, otherwise Andrew Jones may have been in for another try. As was the order of the day, Yass Magpies capitalised on the Hawks misfortune, when after a kick through they scored in the corner.
Uplifted by this surge, Yass added another 4 pointer to be in front 14 points to 12. At this stage it was the Hawks who needed the lift, so forward Tyson Astill, took the ball and produced a solid and decisive burst down the right hand flank, to raise his hand in triumph, and touch down in a handy position. Once again the Hawks had goal-kicking trouble, but now stood tall in front 16-14.
The Hawks fifth try came with their momentum, when Jugiong newcomer Keiran Reid, was on the ball and gleefully dived over in the corner, for their fifth try. With the score in Harden Hawks favour 20 points to 14, there were scenes reminiscent of the old Maher Cup days.
Full time was almost up, and endeavouring to make it a 7-point buffer, Hardens’ Five-eighth Josh Logue set himself for a field-goal attempt. From 38m out he went bang. The ball seemingly went straight between the posts to the delight of the Hawk’s players and supporters.The referee had other ideas however ruling no goal.
Harden at this stage should have treated the ball like gold but didn’t. Yass then gained possession and with the full-time siren imminent, they received three penalties, from which they put up 3 Bombs, deep in Harden’s Territory. Luckily the Hawks successfully defused the last one, and were home, 20-14.
Goal kicking is worth points and the Hawks will have to keep practicing their place kicks. Best for Harden were: Adam Byrne, Josh Logue and Mr. Versatile Jon Hill. The next encounter is at McLean Oval against Bungendore Tigers, on Saturday @ 3 PM. WINGS
