IN THE wilting Sunday afternoon heat and humidity of Nitmiluk Oval, the Big River Hawks added to their undefeated season when they thumped the Waratahs Warriors in a one-sided clash on December 7.
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The Hawks have been the team to beat in the 2014-15 NTFL under-18 competition and Sunday’s demolition of the visitors has resulted in the team claiming nine wins and a draw in the first 10 rounds of competition.
Travelling down from Darwin to face the team from Big River is a daunting task for any team and it proved a step too far for the Warriors, who faced a first quarter avalanche from the boys in brown and gold.
The local lads were up for it and, despite piling on six unanswered goals in the first period, could have been a lot further ahead if not for the eight points they also slotted.
Hawks captain Devin Lines was dominant in the tap-outs in the ruck and provided silver service to the players rotating through the midfield.
In turn, the midfielders provided numerous opportunities to the forward line, led by Fred Hall and Sam Guempel-Crothers, deep in the goal square.
The second quarter offered up more of the same, with the Hawks dominating play to take a resounding 11.12 (78) to 0.3 (3) margin into the half-time break.
Coach Andy Bilske’s address at the main break focused on the need to ignore the scoreboard, press home any advantage and to do the little things for the team.
The season-long issue of inaccuracy in front of the goal was also discussed.
The third quarter started well for the visitors when they booted their first major but they too were afflicted by the inaccuracy bug and kicked four points for the period to go with their solitary goal.
The boys from Big River still managed to pile on a further six goals of their own, with Hall, Caleb Clyden and Jordan Gardner all hitting the scoreboard regularly.
The three-quarter-time siren sounded with the scoreboard reading 17.16 (118) to 1.5 (11).
With fatigue setting in, Bilske called for a final effort, knowing that percentage may play a part later in the season. In stifling conditions, however, the local team could only muster a further three goals and five behinds to round out the day, with the full-time siren presenting a 20.21 (141) to 2.6 (18) scoreline.
The Hawks had two debutants for the match in Frazer Suffren and Abraham Henry, who both had really good games in their first outing for the brown and gold.
The Hawks will be aiming to continue their unbeaten season on December 13 when they travel to Darwin to play on the second TIO Stadium oval at 11.15am.
Big River Hawks 20.21 (141) defeated Waratah Warriors 2.6 (18)
Big River Hawks goal kickers: F. Hall 6, C. Clyden 5, J. Gardner 4, L. Gumbula 2, J. Hamilton, W. Ross, P. Kossack 1
Big River Hawks best players: D. Lines, A. Albert, S. Guempel-Crothers, J. Hamilton, L. Gumbula, K. Silver
