For the Hawks’ Provisional 2 Men’s team this week’s game was a must win. The team had gone three consecutive games without a win, allowing fourth position room to close in. With a line up against fifth position Old Guildford the Hawks were easy favourites.
To Coach Barry Vanderputt’s delight all players arrived early and eager on a cold Sunday evening at the Melville Turf. After some major changes in the last few weeks this game was not much different with Gavin McLarren and Nathan Messer back in to replace John Heath and Barry Vanderputt. While James Gradisen was in the side to replace Steve Martino who was unavailable.
Pre-game jitters were squashed after Captain Lee Hansord won the toss deciding to start with the ball. The game was off to a flying start with the Hawks quickly dominating the field. Spectators saw a pleasant display of skill and stamina as the ball was passed back and fourth between the mid-field. The Hawks, strong in defence, allowed their attackers to bring the ball into the opposition’s circle on multiple occasions.
It took 20 minutes before the Hawks opened up the goal line with a quality cross to Nathan who was waiting patiently on the far post easily pushing the ball into the net. The whistle blew and once again the Hawks were in attack. This time it took about five minutes before Nathan received another great cross calmly placing the ball into the net.
25 minutes into the first half the Hawks were 2-0 up. The Hawks now had a taste for goals and they wanted more. And more goals they got when Nathan placed a strong cross from the corner where Jonathon Lanzon was quick to deflect the ball into the top right hand corner. Now 3-0 up there was no more than five minutes remaining in the first half. This was plenty of time for another goal! The Hawks were awarded a Penalty Corner which Lee used to pass to Nathan on his left, who then passed the ball across goals to Jonathon who was sitting on the post. Bang, that’s 4-0 and the end of the first half.
After some encouraging words from Coach Barry at half time the team were pumped entering the second half. This half was slightly different with Old Guildford playing very defensive. Most of the Hawks’ attack was eliminated early and the ones that did get through their goalie played well to defend his goals. However a goalless half was unlikely as Lee received a beautiful cross from Kevin Pethick on the 25 yard, dribbled the ball into the D, and slammed it into the net.
The game ended ten minutes later with the Hawks walking away with a 5-0 win after dominating the game. Next week’s game is at midday Sunday week at Shenton against bottom of the ladder Old Aquinians.
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