The Hawk bubble burst in emphatic fashion last week at home. Deniliquin put on a display that will have other sides taking notice and thumped the Hawks to the tune of 57 points. It was a disappointing result, to say the least, after a preseason that promised so much. The Hawks were second to the footy all day and the Rams controlled the contested possessions to give the selectors something to think about leading into todays big game. Four quarter contributors were hard to come by but the recruits stood out. Brennan Mills was exceptional in his first game back in the Maroon and Gold; he knocked up getting kicks in a vain attempt to lift his side. Dash Baroli, making his debut for the Hawks, also picked up plenty of touches as did Matty Hyde and Tom Crapp. Matt Hendry started in defence and finished in the ruck and his work rate was very good. Sean Robbins and Sean Harrap booted three goals each from limited opportunities while Stuey Galloway and Tyron Hill had their moments. The Reserves witnessed Gerald ODwyer and son Jono unfurl the 2008 premiership flag and then, under new Coach Nick Flanagan, showed they will be right in the hunt again in 09 with an impressive performance. They ran out comfortable 71 point victors with youngsters Luke Robinson, Matty Connors, Brett Nye and Jackson Brooks all making their first foray into Senior footy. Ben Beast Ryan was the dominant player on the ground kicking 5 majors and collecting the Menthas Award. Joel Kirk put his hand up for senior selection as did Shaun Connors and they both received Bottom Pub Awards.The Skipper, Travis Nye put his name in front of the selectors too and he won the Sporties Award while Simon Douglas and Rob Ryan were also impressive. The Thirds opened their season with a brilliant first quarter against the talented Deni side and led at the first break. Unfortunately that was as far as it went and the Rams took control to run away with a 15 goal win. Four quarter efforts will see this side push for a finals spot but they will need to work on concentrating for the entire game. Riley Brooks (Menthas) and Sam Jenkins (Andrew Jenkins Real Estate) were the standouts. Bryce Stephens (Babcon Hire) showed he will be very handy acquisition while Tom Currie, Tom Butler and Hayden Atkinson Thring all played well. Mick Dunns fourths went in confident after beating Deni in the night series. They may have underestimated the opposition as they were jumped from the start and couldnt recover, going down by 25 points. The young Hawks will need to respect all opposition this season if they are to be successful starting with todays opponent, the reigning premiers. Daniel Russell (Barooga IGA) led by example, trying to inspire his charges. Jake Brooks (Barooga General Store), Cal Leighton-Daly (Spanner Brooks) and Jake Jenkins (Barooga Bakery) had a crack while Harry Foster and Brayden Smith tried hard all day.
A Grade Barooga 46 to Deniliquin 19. Fosters Award Sarah Bruce. B Grade Barooga 30 to Deniliquin 50. B grade had a sluggish start against a very fit and fast running Deni side. Jackie proved once again she will be a pivotal player down in goals putting in a solid 4 quarters, well supported by Caitlin and Courtney who we welcome back to the club after a bit of a break. Ren played a great running centre game as always keeping our mid court together and whilst we didnt come away with 4 points, Deni will be a very strong team in the comp and with our full team back, we very much look forward to taking on Cobram this week. Barooga Pub award Jackie. C Grade Barooga 47 to Deniliquin 22. Nice to get the season off to a great start with a win. We made changes every quarter and still increased our lead. All 8 players contributed equally to the win. Lets continue the good start this week against Cobram. DVine Ideas Award: Kelly Wright. C Res Barooga 33 to Deniliquin 40. Great start to the season. We didnt come up with a win but the team showed spurts of greatness. With a bit more game time and FITNESS and I'm sure we will have a very productive season. Wingates Sportz Award: Emily Fisher. U 17 Barooga 14 to Deniliquin 68. We came up against a very strong team for our first game. Everyone gave 100% with a great team attitude. Keep coming to fitness and training and continue being positive and we will have a great year. Award: Barooga General Store award went to Mikaylah and Kayla. U 15 Barooga 24 to Deniliquin 32. U 13 Barooga 6 to Deniliquin 28. Our first game for the season was a great team effort. Unfortunately the score was not a true reflection of how the girls actually played. It was our first game as a team and that is exactly how the girls played, as a team! It was fantastic to see how much the girls have taken in at trainings and put it into play on the court. Great Work everyone. Award this week went to Jacqui Buchanan. U 11 Barooga 2 to Deniliquin 20. The girls had a great first game although the score didnt really reflect it. For all the girls it was their first time playing in U11's and for some their first ever game of netball. Everyone put in 100% effort and all listened to instructions and supported the team when they were on the bench. Great start girls, keep working and I am sure it wont be long till we have a win. Barooga IGA Award went to Steffi Vogel.
So to todays big clash with our rivals Cobram. The Tigers will be up and about so all sides will need to be at the top of their games to take home the spoils. Lets have an RHG (RED HOT GO)!!!!! Carn the Hawks!! Squawk.
BFNC wishes to thank Hawks Homes Sub-Contractor 2 Noon Electrical P/L.