MIGHTY FIGHTING HAWKS
By Louie Bulzomi
Unlike the AFL version on Saturday, the MFL’s Hawks were up to the challenge of an up-and-coming opponent. In a 41-goal shootout at Henshilwood Oval, Gol Gol led all day to defeat a gallant Cardross by 52 points, 24.20 (164) to 17.10 (112).
A goal to the dashing Darren Brown 30 seconds in after a spectacular run from the wing set the tone for the free-flowing, high scoring footy that spectators would enjoy all day. He, Clint Burdett, David Gray and Blayk Rhodes were solid as the Hawks threatened to kick clear. But 2 monster goals from Ben Ransome, superb displays by Jake Zoch and Cody Dalla Santa, and excellent defensive play from Cameron Berry and Mitch Bateman kept the Lions within 16 points at the first change.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with Gol Gol controlling most of the play but unable to put Cardross away. Tim Vandenberg and Corey Walsh rebounded well from the backline, and Brown, Burdett, Tony Albert and Tansley Hill provided plenty of midfield drive to give Sonny Lindsey and Nick Rodi a mountain of opportunities to score. For the Lions, Ethan Zoch emulated Jake in the ruck as he, Jayden Boehm and Andrew Ferguson ensured the Lions wouldn’t be further than 35 points behind at half time.
Cardross meant business coming out of the rooms as they slammed on the first 3 goals of the third. But the Hawks responded in kind with steadiers to Trent Collins and Rhodes. The Lions, through the agency of Ferguson, Michael Laird and Mark East, surged again to get within 13 points heading into time on, causing Gol Gol to change things up as they moved Lindsey (stifled by Berry) into the middle. This move paid dividends, with Lindsey engineering 2 clearances which resulted in goals to help get the Hawks back to a 30-point advantage.
Cardross opened up again in the last with 2 early goals, and it seemed that a grandstand finish was on the cards. Berry and Bateman kept up their defensive pressure, and Boehm kept on running and carrying. But unfortunately that was their last charge as Gol Gol kicked the next 4 to seal the deal. For the Hawks, Lindsey finished with 6 goals and Rodi 5, while Vandenberg and Collins were selected as the 2 best. For the Lions, Ferguson ended up with 8, as he and Laird were named the 2 best.
Next week, Euston host Werrimull and Bambill host Nangiloc to complete Round 7.
Last Modified on 28/05/2012 15:22