Dons’ wasteful kicking gives Hawks win

Inaccurate kicking cost Donnybrook victory against Augusta-Margaret River, when the Dons kicked just six goals from 21 scoring shots in a four-point loss at Gloucester Park on Saturday.

Hawks youngster Mitch Lynn booted three goals and was prolific around the ground as the home side escaped with a narrow 8.7 (55) to 6.15 (51) win.

The Hawks came out strong in the opening quarter, booting four majors to establish a firm lead against the Dons who managed just the one goal.

In windy conditions, the Dons started to claw back in the second term, but consistently blew their chances in front of goals.

A fast-paced quarter saw the Hawks hold onto their lead going into half-time by eight points.

Donnybrook dominated the third term, as the Hawks could not find a goal in the third, as both sides squandered their chances in front of the big sticks.

But the Hawks ran out the game the better team, kicking two majors to just four behinds to grab their first win of the season in a close contest.

Former Busselton midfielder James Price impressed for the Hawks, while Jacob Payne, David Hill and Ben Gerrans all performed well.

Kieran Hug played well in his debut for the Dons, while young ruck-forward Todd Gregory showed the benefits of a solid pre-season.

Captain Shane Cristaldi and his deputy Cody Miller tried hard from the half back, but the forwards could not finish the work.