Hawks outmuscle Eagles in battle of the birds

The Augusta Margaret River Hawks have defeated the Collie Eagles by 34 points on Saturday at Gloucester Park in a bizarre match which saw neither team kick a goal in the second half.

The Hawks started the game on fire kicking six goals to none in the first quarter providing a glimpse of their hard-running best.

Reigning Hayward medalist Mitch Lynn was unstoppable in the middle breaking tackles and driving the Hawks forward tearing the game open.

When young Augusta Margaret River half forward Gus Tilk-Wrightson dummied and finished truly from a tight angle in red time of the first term the lead was already 37 points.

However, Collie coach Seth White moved ruck talisman Jeffrey Smith and utility Matthew Michael behind the ball to provide support for his besieged defense.

With two men behind the ball Collie then tried to catch the Hawks napping on counter attack with Jayce Fontana breaking through for their first goal half way through the second term.

Augusta Margaret River veteran Ben Gerrans made the most of his move to the forward line snapping his second goal half way through the second term.

The second half was a stale mate with both team’s defensive units holding as the wind and rain became a factor.

Eagles centre half back Matthew Blackford played an impressive second half after Hawks forward Mitch Payne kicked two goals in the first quarter.

Augusta Margaret River coach Matthew Jamieson said his side had missed an opportunity to earn some much-needed percentage after dominating the first quarter.

“Collie put the stranglehold on us once they dropped a few numbers back and didn’t allow us to get that run that we had in the first quarter,” he said.

“We just had to win the fifty-fifty contests and get the game on our terms which we did but we just didn’t execute in the second half.

“We absorbed pressure very well but it’s the ability to shift gears and go coast to coast and score that’s the thing we need to get better at. Against quality opposition they will have periods of the game where they have the upper hand but we need to dig deep and force the turnover and then take it down our end and score.”

Augusta Margaret River will travel to Kelly park to take on Carey Park next Sunday at 2.20pm while Collie return home to play the Harvey Bulls.

AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER FOOTBALL CLUB

Goal Kickers: B. Gerrans 2, M. Payne 2, H. Taylor 2, B. Morgan, G. Wrightson

Best Players: M. Jukes, M. Lynn, T. McDonald, B. Gerrans, J. Rodgers, L. Adams

COLLIE EAGLES

Goal Kickers: J. Smith, J. Fontana, R. Chappell

Best Players: A. Bignell, J. Smith, M. Blackford, K. Shanahan, J. Martin, M. Michael