After a couple of washout
weeks and with little training the task was formidable to face a
Bathurst side undefeated at home this season, especially so, with a
damp ground and very cold conditions.
Continuing on with the form
shown in the previous game the side settled in the early stages of
the game with some outstanding passing movements to attack the
Bathurst goal with a couple of near misses before Paul Cooper
climbed to head a cross against the inside of the upright that may
well have been going in before Rob Balantincz made sure with a
lunging header. With the advantage of a one goal lead the Hawks were
determined not to give away the advantage when a dubious penalty
call saw their lead in jeopardy. Seemingly unfazed by the pressure,
a flu affected Davis Alvarez, fresh from playing the earlier game
dived full length to his left to save the shot. Deemed to have moved
forward from his position one step behind the line, which is
allowed, the shot was retaken after a player was sent off for
contesting the decision. The unflappable Davis did it all again,
this time diving to his right, to maintain the lead into the half
time break. Down a player, the second half
showed the maturity and
determination in the side as it contested every play from an
impenetrabledefensive
wall continually turning the oppositions attacking strength into
their own weakness. The second half seemed to last for hours,
especially with the lack of game time in recent weeks. An
outstanding effort and a great game to watch.
No man of the match was
awarded as all players performed at their best.
Reserve Grade: Hawkesbury 2 Bathurst 1
This was a battle of the Hawks
in second spot and Bathurst in third spot,that, if lost by the Hawks could have put their finals place
at risk. With this in mind and although short on numbers on the day
the team stood up well to the physical tactics employed by Bathurst
to try and unsettle the game.
Although having a 3pm kick off
time the conditions were particularly cold with a light wind blowing
from inland dropping the chill factor considerably.
The game was one that changed
from end to end, and with a number of Hawks players in unfamiliar
positions, the passing movements were not as precise as in previous
weeks. With the half some 10mins old, striker Andrew Jones found
himself in the right spot to finish off a wide run for the opening
goal, that was responded too quickly to see the game tied up until
just before half time when Chris Gee slotted home from the penalty
spot.
The second half was a
difficult section as players were moved at half time to stiffen up
the midfield and players replaced to freshen up the side. To the
Hawks credit they stuck it out against a young and determined
Bathurst side that has gained all it’s points at home this year.
