Our Twin Town’s magnificent playing field, McLean Oval, welcomed the Yass Magpies to do battle with our Harden Hawks, in what was virtually a playoff for second place in the George Tooke Shield R.L. Competition. Both Teams lined-up, facing the west prior to kickoff to pay tribute to a staunch supporter and stalwart of Harden Rugby League Jack Davis, who passed away recently.
When the players first ran on Saturday, just like the good old days the car horns sounded loudly around the ground and there were many in attendance. After just 5 minutes Harden received a check when their Centre Tim Pinney was replaced as a precaution, following a suspected neck injury.
It wasn’t long before Harden kick started their attack, when on resumption, Josh Logue scored amidst a myriad of bodies. Captain Jon Hill seemingly claiming the try in hope of getting some recognition of his name over the microphone. He succeeded because the Harden numbers on their jumpers can’t be read from a distance this season, 4-0 to Harden.
The Hawks then doubled up with back to back tries, with winger Andrew Jones racing away down the touchline. 8-0.
Harden were gaining the ascendency at this stage, particularly when this was topped off with a swift backline passing movement. The final deft pass, a miracle ball to Centre Chris Beal, saw him race in for a brilliant try, to aptly celebrate his thirtieth birthday, belying his age. The conversion once again failed, but the Hawks led 12-0.
Harden then reached a high point. This time rushing up the eastern touchline towards the hill side. Andrew Jones was on the end of the movement, but still had 40 metres to go. Despite this, he powered his way with speed and determination, to ultimately carry 2 of the opposition players with him over the line then reach out and score.
It was Jonesy’s second try and the Hawks were boosted, when Abed Attalah added the extras. It was the Hawks who had really clipped the Magpies wings, flying to a comfortable 18 to nil lead.
Straight after the half-time break hot dogs, steak sandwiches and hot coffee were replaced, this time by the Yass men, who began to claw their way back, by heading towards the kiosk corner themselves, where their left winger scored.
Harden Hawks troubles began to compound, after they had a clearance kick charged down and Yass gained possession following through. Yass scored between the posts. An easy conversion narrowed the score to 18-10.
The Hawk’s defence was shakey at this stage, as many were slipping off tackles by going around the shoulders. The result being the Magpies gained further momentum crossing for their third good try. Luckily the conversion was flagged away, and Harden still held a slender lead of 18-14.
With only 5 minutes left on the electronic score-board clock, the match hung in the balance, with Yass coming home with a wet sail.
Realising a win was vital, our Hawks received a boost from their big forward Tyson Astill, (GO ON TY). He made a sustained run up centre field, unloading to five-eighth Abed Atallah who kicked ahead. The weight of the kick was well judged, and positioned perfectly for young Hawk – Alex Stewart to dive on and seal the match with a fine converted try.
The final score favouring Harden Hawks 24-14. Alex Pirie, Luke Piercy and Tyson Astill were the pick of our Hawks, ably assisted by Nick Fuller and Andrew Jones.
Next Saturday HARDEN travel to Mick Sherd Oval in Bungendore, to play The Tigers. GO THE HAWKS.
Wings.