After months of training, 25 footy players travelled to Manjimup last weekend for the ‘Elders’ year 8 footy carnival.
On Saturday morning the players, coach and supporters gathered at RAE oval with excitement and nerves for the first clash against Bunbury. With only 12 minute halves per game, the pressure was on for ‘Super-coach’ Mark (Gribbo) Graham to secure victories.
After a slow start from both teams, nerves settled as the Hawks started kicking goal after goal, and left Bunbury scoreless 64-0. The next game against Busselton started at a frantic pace, with the Hawks going 2 goals down in the first half, however they settled and came out winners with the final score 30-19. The third game left Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault scoreless 29-0. The final game of the day was against Lower South West who were also undefeated for the day, and were also the team the Hawks versed in the grand final in the year 6 Carnival 2 years ago. Although the end score was 19-1, it was a tough, close game.
The Hawks were pumped to get back to RAE oval on Sunday morning and played Ballajura who had not had a win for the carnival. Ballajura gave it their all and didn’t give up, but the final score was 45-6.
It was time for the grand final between the Hawks and Lower South West. The grand final was a much more physical encounter.
The backline was tested on several occasions and stood firm and answered the challenge on every account.
The game was won in the mid-field with a very even spread of local talent who ran hard all day and maintained their structure to lock the football in the forward line. The forward line worked very well all game leading into space, holding strong marks and maintaining forward pressure.
Well done Hawks on your undefeated victories, you should all be very proud of your hard work, enthusiasm and team spirit. Congratulations to Darcy Currell who was a rock at full-back and received the coache’s award. On behalf of the whole team a Huge Big thank you to Mark (Gribbo) Graham for coaching these kids to victory.
