The best ladies’ touch football players from Harden and Binalong took to the field on Friday night in a fast-paced match that was played in greasy conditions.
The Hawkettes left the field victorious with a try a piece to Emma Manwaring and Tennille Stevens. Paige Potts lost a chance over the line and was unlucky. Early on in the season, the Harden ladies look like they will be very competitive in 2014.
The Binalong Brahmans arrived by Coach, and a fleet of cars, to be greeted by fabulous floodlights and a playing surface of a superb quality, never before seen here over the years.
One minute’s silence was held to honour Doris James who was the Mother of the James family who are all staunch supporters of Harden and the Hawks, as well as the grandmother of Luke Brown the Hawk’s Captain/Coach.
The wet weather made conditions very difficult for the players, something which would have suited Binalong’s wide-sweeping and long-passing game a lot less than the home team.
After only 8 minutes of play, Brahman Dave Brown beat all defenders to score down the right side and, with a successful conversion, led 6-0.
Binalong continued to attack well, however whilst parked on the Hawks’ 20m line fullback Riley Manwaring swooped on an intercept, running 80m to score under the posts. The conversion was slotted and a score of 6 all a piece was found.
The Binalong Boys added another touchdown, making it 10 points the home town’s 6.
Not to be out done the Hawks attacked with purpose and vigour. With the tryline clearly in sight and a try begging to be had, Harden kicked a grubber instead of putting it through the hands for the winger to score and the moment vanished.
Counter punching, Binalong almost immediately replied with a great 40-20 kick, putting their opponents under pressure. With the resultant scrum win, winger Olah grabbed his second try on the night for a 14- 6 lead.
Harden were making countless changes in this trial, and Binalong continued their domination, with a lot of valuable possession.
Trial matches usually display some ‘rusty’ performances, but the Brahmans showed little if any of this.
The Hawks could well have made life easier for themselves had they not raised the ire of Referee Matt Hall, with repeated infringements.
With the score at 22-6, the trial concluded.
The two teams will meet again on May 24 at Binalong for the Brahman’s Reunion Day, which promises to be a very large gathering of former players at the Binalong Golf Club after the game; tickets for the function will be $30 per head.
Overall the Trial was of great benefit to both teams, neither side has had a decent hit-out so far this year. Harden have their 2 main players yet to make an appearance. Both Binalong and Harden look set for a successful 2014 George Tooke Rugby League Season.
