Emma James is the first player in the George Tooke Shield Ladies League Tag competition to play 100 matches. The Harden stalwart has been plying her trade in the local competition for the last 8 years, commencing as a teenager.
Emma came from a background in soccer, however, made the transition to the oval ball game in a seamless fashion. Emma has improved in her game to the point that it often resembles the skill-set of an NRL Halfback.
She has the ability to pass both ways, long and short, can kick off both feet and directs her team around like a general.
She has been part of the Hawkettes successful winning culture and squad since 2015 under coach Jason Pollard. Harden has been involved in George Tooke Grand finals every year they have taken part. In 2015 they lost the Grand Final 10-8 against Bungendore.
In 2016 they beat Bungendore 7-6.
They went down to Bungendore 28-16 in 2017 when Bungendore had a host of representative players in their squad.
In 2018 Harden turned the tables on Bungendore to win the GF 14-10.
In 2019 they soundly defeated Crookwell 34-6 before the club sat out the 2020 season due to COVID where the Burrangong Bears caused a huge upset to beat Bungendore 20-14.
When they returned to the comp in 2021 Harden were minor premiers before COVID halted the comp.
2022 has seen the Hawkettes continue on their winning ways where they are undefeated and have a for and against of 600 to 12 from 13 matches.
Their nearest rival is Boorowa with for and against of 302 to 118.
Emma was over the moon to hit 100 games in the same year she hit 1000 points.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to play a hundred games for my hometown and my club,” she said. “To be able to play a hundred games alongside my teammates and family is really special.
“I want to thank my family, my mum, my dad, my sisters all the people who’ve supported me and all the fans of the club who support us. “We’re heading into finals, only have one game to go. The girls and I are preparing to head into the finals.”
Saturday’s match saw another feat by some very skilful Harden players. The Smith sisters shared in 11 of Harden’s 13 tries while Emma kicked 7 conversions which has now pushed her well past 1000 points in the competition.
Clare Smith scored five tries, while twin Georgia wouldn’t allow her sister to out do her and also compiled five. Grace also crossed for a solo try, while Emma and Marylou Minehan both crossed.
The Hawkettes will return to McLean Oval on Saturday and will welcome the Gunning Rooettes at 2:15pm for the final regular season competition game.
