The Augusta Margaret River Hawks league side enjoyed a convincing win against the visiting Eaton Boomers on Saturday at Gloucester Park, despite torrential rain and a hailstorm descending upon the ground during play.
Hawks Coach Matt Jamieson said the win was a hard earned one, and said the club was surprised at being considered an outside chance.
“I think in that second half we played some of the best football we have played all season,” Jamieson said.
“There was some adjustment of personnel and positions in the half time break and I think that gave us the edge, finding that balance and putting our energy where it needed to be.”
A slow start saw the Augusta Margaret River side manage just two goals in the first quarter while the visitors hit their stride early, securing six goals in the first term and sending mutterings of concern through the crowd.
The home side continued the pressure in the second, but could only add another goal to their tally, using much of their manpower to stop Eaton from scoring more than a point in the second quarter.
Matt Jukes was the star of the show for Augusta Margaret River with a hefty five goal, six point haul. Ben Gerrans, Mitch Lynn and Seve Grantis served up some quality play alongside Jordan Veitch and Jacob Payne.
Brandon Jetta was the Boomers best on ground, slotting four of his teams eight goals for the game while Brendan Page, Josh Scott and Nathan Mccosker had a solid day out.
By the final quarter the Hawks had found their extra batteries and lapped up the atrocious weather as it bore down on the ground, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the worst of condiitons.
With six goals in the final term alone, the home side threw down a 21 point victory and cemented their position as a genuine threat for the finals.
“Its a really important win for us as a team,” Jamieson told the Mail.
“Weve had a few inconsistencies during the year and a lot of that comes down to which players are available and having that full side ready to go in those tougher matches.
He said the seasons remaining games would be a mixed bag, allowing plenty of opportunity for the Hawks to shine away and at home.
It was a really important win for us as a team… I think in that second half we played some of the best football we have played all season.
Hawks coach Matt Jamieson
“I think weve got a really good draw, we face Busselton then Carey Park and then Harvey Brunswick Leschenault at their ground, which from reports is in a bit of poor condition at the moment and could prove tough.
“I was chatting with some guys from Busselton after their game there and they said it was incredibly difficult, which I think reflected in their score somewhat.
“Were sitting in a good spot on the ladder and we have a few good matches ahead of us, including the Magpies in Busselton this weekend who have been a really strong side at home this year.
“It would be really nice to finish in fourth position and go into the finals in a great position.
“Our best is definitely good enough, we just have to focus on playing those full four quarters of football.”
As the finals of the 2018 season loom, the Hawks will face the Busselton Magpies at Bovell Park on Saturday, while the Boomers will face Donnybrook.
Young Hawks win over Boomers
The Augusta Margaret River Hawks colts side suffered a tough 10 point loss to the Eaton Boomers in tough conditions on Saturday, struggling to make a dent on the scoreboard with just three goals across the entire game.
With the icy Margaret River wind bearing down on the players, Alistair Wood managed to get boot to ball for two goals and four behinds, while Charlie Wrigglesworth also managed a goal.
For the visitors, Benjamin Hastie was top goalscorer with two goals to his name.
The final score was 3.13-31 to 6.5-41.
The Hawks sit at third spot on the colts competition ladder.
The Hawks reserves had better form in their meeting with their Eaton counterparts, holding the visitors to zero goals until the third quarter, where the Boomers found their legs and slotted away three.
The Hawks responded in the final quarter with their own three, Rhys Owen securing two while Kane Oldham, Daniel Pascoe, Clayton Ireland, Berin Sluiter and Daniel Payne scoring one apiece.
Eatons poor aim contributed to the loss with Boomers Rannon Salmon and Lloyd Hutch kicking six and five behinds respectively, but achieving no majors for their efforts.
The final score was 7.7-49 to 4.7-31.
The Hawks sit in eighth position on the reserves ladder.
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Margaret River Mail
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