What a fantastic day it was for the Hawks a fortnight ago! Up against the reigning premiers and in front of a massive crowd the boys trounced the Purps. Ladies day, Hawks Club and the past players reunion as well as Vic Country v. Vic Metro in the Super-rules meant every vantage point was taken up when the ball bounced to start the Seniors.
Nathalia gained the early ascendency but Barooga had their noses in front at the long break. A 5 goal to 4 goal third term stretched the lead out to 12 points, setting the match up for a tight finish. When the Purps booted the first goal of the last term it looked like game on but what proceeded was a clinic. The Hawks piled on 9 goals to one to race away to an emphatic 55 point win.
Tyron Hill was brilliant booting seven second half goals including five in the final term. Tim ODwyer and Chris Gallagher both had countless possessions and took home the Major Incentives. Marty Moose Brooks and Zac Gallagher have been in fabulous touch across half back and continued that form to win the Minor Incentives.
Sean Robbins is also having a stellar year and he took control in the ruck to be one of the main instigators of the Hawks dominance. Zane Bomber Goodwin was another outstanding performer keeping Brendon Parker to a goal and he and Moose certainly got to celebrate their milestone games in style.
The win gives the Hawks a great chance of securing an all important top two spot however they must approach every game with the same intensity to ensure this becomes a reality.
The reserves faced a danger game and in the first half Nathalia tested them out. A 20 points buffer at half time was cut to 18 points by the final break. The floodgates then opened and the Hawks came home with a wet sail kicking seven goals without a reply from the Purps to run out comfortable 60 point victors.
Kieran and Chris ODwyer joined Jono for a bit of nostalgia with the brothers playing together for the first time at senior level. While Chris and Kieran had their moments, it was Jono who took the spoils leading by example to take the Barooga Hotel Award as best on. Jason Nye (Babcon) and Jimmy Fumbles Brooks (Bottom Pub) were very good players. Adam Fox (Barooga Sporties) fired up his teammates while Shauny Connor and Jason My dream team is in strife Stephens also played well.
At the halfway mark of the season the Magoos remain undefeated and with a few players to come into the side they are looking the goods.
The only blemish for the Hawks came in the Under 17s. Nathalia had yet to open their account however the side they put on the park wasnt the one they had running around in previous matches. Boosted by permit players from the Picola League they proved too strong for Franks boys winning by 44 points.
Tom Currie (Menthas) had his best game for the year running hard throughout, Sammy Jenkins (Andrew Jenkins Real Estate) got a bit more of his dads money after a solid game and Riley Brooks (Babcon) was very good off a half back flank. Will Robinson (Barooga Bakery) may have found his niche in the back pocket, the big Russian, Andre Romanov (Barooga General Store), racked up the stats in the third term and Matty Connors was as reliable as ever at fullback.
Mick Dunns Under 14s had a great win to start the day off for the Hawks. After a few heart stopping finishes in previous rounds, Mick was able to relax a little as his charges took control early and had the game in their keeping by half time. The only disappointment was the last term when Nathalia booted three goals to match the Hawks. Never take the foot off the peddle boys; you have to play four quarters to match the sides above you.
Matt Plugger Demaio (Outdoor Indulgence) booted a lazy five, Ryan Welch (Barooga Bakery) and Daniel Russell (Spanner Brooks Encouragement) continue to impress and Brendon Jack (Barooga General Store) and Hayden Mustica (Healthy Foods) also played well.
This week we travel to Echuca to take on United at the Eagles Nest. Lets make sure the long trip is enjoyable.
~ Squawk
U/10
Against very disciplined and talented opposition our little girls tried very hard. When we didnt lead all at once, we were able to move the ball very well towards our goalers. Keep practising and listening and what we are learning will all fall into place. Encouragement Awards: Bonnie and Charlotte.
U/11 Barooga 11 to Nathalia 4. Excellent game by all especially in the attacking end. Got to work on coming in front and passing to the person who is in front. Keep up the good work! Awards Lucinda Quinane and Maddy Dunn.
U/13 Barooga 18 to Nathalia 27. Barooga Bakery award Cody Allen
U/15 Barooga 25 to Nathalia 36. Cobram Rural Centre and Theresas Awards went to Taylah Hazelman and Alex Dunn.
U/17 Barooga 13 to Nathalia 35. Good Effort, keep trying and you will get there! General Store award- Lil Cornish
C Reserve Barooga 57 to Nathalia 30. We were a little flat for the first half, but after some positional changes the girls dug in and settled to come away with another impressive win. Unfortunately we had another casualty, this time with Jacoba going down, hopefully having the bye will give her time to recover and be back for the Echuca game. Wingate Sports Award: Cassie CRC Fertilisers Award: Kathlene
C Grade Barooga 37 to Nathalia 30. Every week I am seeing improvement in players games. Fantastic defence, sharp attacking and a really good flow through the centre. Lets keep improving by stepping up trainings, and some team bonding in the next few weeks. Team enthusiasm is getting greater by the week, and by fine tuning and increasing fitness, we will be firing in finals time. A fantastic win, lets keep this winning streak going! DVine Ideas award- Holly Doyle. Thanks Hayley for stepping up and playing a brilliant game.
B Grade Barooga 38 to Nathalia 32. Bottom Pub Drink Award went to Lauren Scott
A Grade Barooga 43 to Nathalia 31. A great first quarter set us up for the rest of the game. Everyone played well and it was good to see some of the things weve been doing at training finally come into action in the game. Well Done everyone on a great game. Im looking forward to a successful second half to the season as we are coming together more as a team each week. Congratulations to DVine Ideas/Cobram Bakery Award winner Sharni.