After a couple of weeks when
results eluded the Hawks the side turned things around with an
outstanding display against one of the competition front runners,
Balmain. Once again short of players due to a horrendous run of
injuries four regular first grade players were asked to back up in
the early game. The game opened with a flurry as Balmain gained the
early advantage when they a long diagonal ball caught the defence
out, allowing a free run into goal.
The game turned into a fairly
dower but exciting
affair as each side mounted attacks only to see some excellent defensive
work stifle their efforts. With Balmain maintaining their lead into
the half time break a quick turnaround was necessary if the Hawks
were to take the points on the day. Jim Vasiliou provided the goal
that set things going when he headed in a low cross after the hawks
went for the kill right from the kick off. With the game all square
the side grew in confidence, taking the initiative away from the
opposition to take the lead when Luke Vanderburg pounced
on a loose ball to put the Hawks 2-1 up with 20mins to the final
whistle. To Balmain’s credit they never gave up, wrestling the
lead away after a cross dropped out of the sun, catching the defence
flat footed for a striker to even up the score again. Ten minutes
from the end Luke popped up again, controlling the ball just outside
the box before smashing it into the corner of the net for the
winning goal. With the entire side playing well, no man of the match
was awarded this week.
Reserve Grade: Hawkesbury 0 Balmain 1
With the side depleted again
this week the side performed above themselves against a side
undefeated this season and with a commanding lead on the competition
to the point that they are already minor premiers.
Not overawed by the task the
young Hawks closed down Balmain’s every attacking move. One moment
of indecision from a corner cost the side dearly as an uncontested
ball struck an attackers knees and deflected in for the winning
goal. Overall the team can be extremely proud of their effort on the
day and can now look forward to consolidating their second place in
readiness for the final series.
