Big Bad Bustling Alex Stewart took the Hawks forwards on at McLean Oval on Saturday. He was well assisted by his partner in crime Ben ‘Largy’ Potts. The 8 and the 10 were good for Boorowa, however, the whole side put the heat on Harden throughout the match. They ran out winners 28-12. Photo by Col Vorren.
The final Rugby League match of the home and away series in the George Tooke Shield for Harden Hawks, took place on McLean Oval against the Boorowa Rovers last weekend. Magnificent bright sunny Autumn weather conditions graced possibly the best playing surface for miles. One Hundred and fifty motor cars and utes ringed the ground, as the Hawks went back to their Maroon and white uniforms, replacing the sky blue colours of the previous week’s charity outfit.
After Harden’s kick off Boorowa brought the ball back to the centre line. From there, they hammered Harden’s try line. The Hawks returned serve charging upfield for winger Mike West to dive over wide out, for a good try. The conversion by Hamish Bradford was a great kick from the eastern sideline and Harden went to the front 6-0. Soon after things were sort-of getting a little heated. But the Referee (Garth) soon restored law and order. When the Hawks kicked, Boorowa salvaged possession, and bombed again.
However, Harden grabbed the ball and the pressure was released. At this stage, just 12 minutes remained until the interval. Harden attempted a one-on one strip of the ball but they were penalised The Ref deeming it illegal and from the Penalty, Boorowa performed a back line movement, the result, their Full Back scored, Harden still leading 6-4. With 6 minutes until Half-Time both teams were getting 50% of possession. However, Boorowa were using their share better. The result, one of the Rover boys scored in the corner for a lead of 10-6 at the break. Then only three minutes after the resumption of the second half, the Rovers came out full of running and crossed for their third try and led 16 to 6. Boorowa needed to win to qualify for the finals, and they were playing as such.
They were mean and hungry for points. And when they touched down for try NO 4 they were in front 22-6. This stirred the Hawks and Ben Davis all of a sudden flew in for a try under the posts, 22-12 to the Rovers. Harden again attacked but were penalised for a high tackle. Just what Harden did not need. Boorowa kicked ahead and forced a Hawk’s line drop-out. Another kick forced a scrum. Boorowa Rovers went the blind-side from the scrum and notched a try in the corner. Their conversion was a boomer from the touch line and Boorowa had a match winning lead of 28-12.
It was a much deserved victory to the Green and White ROVERS. The 18 Round Competition concluded with: Canberra North Bears on top with 32 points, Bungendore Tigers 30, Harden Hawks 24, Boorowa Rovers 24, Crookwell Green Devils 22, Binalong Brahmans 22, Boomanulla Raiders 12, Canberra UNI Grizzlers 8 and Gunning ROOS 6. Next SATURDAY Harden play Bungendore @ Queanbeyan and on SUNDAY Boorowa play Crookwell in Boorowa. After three losses in succession our Hawks need to put the big wheel on. They will need the leadership of Captain Luke Brown if they are to advance any further. GOOD LUCK TO our HAWKS. WINGS.
