Hawks keep the momentum rolling
The Adelaide Hills Hawks CSL teams continued their good form with wins over the Unley Rangers in Saturday’s CSL Division 2 competitions. The reserves consolidated top spot with a resounding 6-1 in the early game. Right Fullback Ryan “Crispy” Douglas was inspirational with a hattrick while Mitch Miller, Jason Barrie and Tom Donovan chimed in with singles. The game was highlighted by crisp passing and ruthless finishing. Coach Phil Stevens has his charges in fine form leading into the middle of the season. Best in a good all round performance were Douglas, Stephen Ness, Barrie and Miller.
The A grade game was a fiery and physical encounter against a well organised and disciplined Unley side. The Hawks created opportunities early on but were dealt a blow when Unley were awarded a dubious penalty after 15 mins The in- form Nathan Roenfeld was pushed to the ground by his direct opponent and subsequently as his body hit the ground there ball to hand movement and the home side was awarded a penalty much to the surprise of the visiting supporters. Goalkeeper Brad Siedel pulled off an amazing penalty save to keep the ledger square. This lifted the Hawks and the midfield of Taff Mellor, Nathan Litchfield, Jack Foster and Jayden Miller began to dominate in midfield to create opportunities for front men Jake Pollard and Chris Zehle.
Just before half time Litchfield headed the ball into the net from a superb Pollard corner to put the Hawks into the lead. Unfortunately Roenfeld had to be substituted in the first half and was replaced by hat trick hero Ryan Douglas. The message at half time was all about smart defending and discipline as the Hawks were looking for their first consecutive victories for the season.
The defence of Seidel, Douglas, Paul Sutcliffe, Jarrod Kerr and Peter Atkinson stepped up a gear in the second half to deny time and space for the opposition. Atkinson doubled the score on the 55 min mark when his deft right foot chip eluded former Seaford and Adelaide Uni State league goalkeeper Dylan Rolston – Howard and into the far left corner. This boosted the Hawks and they continued to create numerous chances leading into the remainder of the game. The game got very physical towards the end and an Unley defender received a straight red for a challenge on Miller that would have received a suspension in an NRL game. Thankfully Miller was able to continue and play out the game. Tom Donavan and Sol Scopazzi both played key roles in helping to secure the three points in the last third of the game.
At the sounding of the final whistle all Hawks players and supporters celebrated what was a good day away from home. Best were Mellor, who rolled back the years with an outstanding captain’s game, Sutcliffe, Litchfield and Seidel. The Hawks now have a week’s break before they take on Adelaide Cobras at Woodside.
