Sam Davis and Pat Smith are ready to roll against the Australian Defence Force Academy at McLean Oval on Saturday. Both Sam and Pat played pivotal roles in the Youth League Premeirship in 2017 and will be looking to step up again.
It’s not long now until the gates are open at McLean Oval. When the smell of deep heat permeates the dressing sheds and the familiar sound of cars driving on the gravel are heard, making their way to their favourite spot on the hill. They will all be there, including Hawks stalwart and supporter Jessie James, who will no doubt be yelling at the Hawks for another effort, when it looks as though they can give no more. Paul ‘Wings’ McCarthy will be in the box and taking down his notes for the Twin Town Times. And no doubt the man who turned 60 this week will be in the sheds assisting with his magic hands to fix any ailments our club’s players have. We all know who he is and past and current players can never thank him enough for his dedication.Congratulations on the big 60, Glen Howe.
The 2018 George Tooke Shield has hit Harden-Murrumburrah. It has been a very long time since Group 9 was formed at a meeting in Harden, in 1923. The date highlights the importance of the code to the twin towns and its rich history.
Sam Davis and Pat Smith will be some of the younger Hawks on the charge today at McLean Oval. Both players excelled in the Youth League competition last year.
The 9 team George Tooke competition already has some front runners after round one. Crookwell smashed the UC Grizzlies 62-12 last weekend, whilst Gunning were strong against ADFD, 34-8. The Harden Hawks are sitting on 2 points; their first round was a bye. Their second round will be a ferocious start and a chance to show the rest of the competition what they can expect from last year’s Premiers.
Anthony Giannasca, or ‘Gee’ as he is known has returned to Harden after assisting 2017 coach Matt McLay. He has plenty of experience and as a former Front Rower, understands the need to have a good pack to allow the fast men to shine. He said, “It’s shaping up nicely. We had a trial a couple of weeks ago against Young and a few of the young guys got an opportunity to step up and they really impressed me, so we are looking forward to playing some consistent footy each week. We have a side that can go a long way.” Gee has brought a couple of mates from Canberra in Alex Solipo who will play in the Centres and Matthew Homes in the Front Row. A number of prominent younger players will also make up a large contingent of the squad. Gee said, “We have Jono and Alex and they are like extra forwards.”
The side will travel one week to Canberra and one week to Harden for training to mix it up and limit the amount of travel for the squad. Gee is mindful of the need for bush footy to continue and thrive in the current climate. “We have seen a lot of 18s come through but we still need that 5 or 6 blokes out of Canberra.”
Newly-married former Hawk Tyson Astill makes a return for the Club and is looking very fit. The workhorse will add to the defensive qualities that the side will need to continue to display, to win matches. A lot has happened in 10 years since the 2009 Premiership win; however, the Hawks retain a number of 2009 grand finalists in Luke Brown, Nathan Schofield and Astill. New to the side will be Troy Dumbrell, who will be taking his place after playing at Yanco last season.
President Jason Pollard is looking forward to this week’s round and the chance to see the Sam Dyball Memorial scoreboard used for the first time. “The club raised close to $2,000 on the cricket day.” Jason said, “We want to thank the community for everything they have done.” He said the U18s head to Yass whilst the Hawkettes and First Grade side will play at McLean Oval. Pollard also coaches the Hawkettes, with the local ladies setting the grass ablaze with their scintillating skill and speed. Undefeated after 2 knockouts already, and coming off a win against the Cherryettes in their most recent trial, they will be taking on an ADFA side that has had a rough start to the season, with a 48 point loss.
The local girls don’t get complacent, they just get into it and do their job. They continue to mature and if they continue to improve may be the best side in southern News South Wales by year’s end. Pollard said, “It looks like Bungendore will be a little weaker than in previous years.” The Tigerettes have been the thorn in the Hawkettes side for a number of seasons and several of their stars have since returned to Canberra. The Harden Youth League side is a victim of its own success.
The side has produced a number of local young men who will challenge for positions in this year’s First Grade squad. They will be a welcome boost in that they will add enthusiasm and fearlessness to the squad. They will also keep some of the older bulls honest and who will have pressure on them to retain their positions. They say the wolf climbing the hill is hungrier than the wolf on the hill. Time will tell.
The Club is hoping to see some development at the grounds in the future, with plans for new facilities at the Oval, which will service both Senior and Junior league. Make sure you get along to McLean Oval on Saturday. Junior League will be playing in the AM before the seniors hit the field in the PM. Hawkettes kick off at 3:30pm, First Grade kick off at 4:30pm. Hawks Hawks Hawks!
1. Sam Davis 2. Nathan Schofield 3. Jonathon Pouono 4. Alex Solipo 5. Paddy smith 6. Matt Mclay 7. Nic Stephens 8. Matt Holmes 9. Luke Brown 10. Troy Dumbrell 11. Jayke Hogan 12. Tyson Astill 13. Chris Salway 14. Ben Davis 15. Luke Stanton 16. Michael West 17. Jack Ballinger 18. Junior Pouono 19. Tom Butt 20. Brent Shord 21. Rory Bolger 22. Oscar Forsyth 23. Ryan Daley
