Hawks keep the dream alive

Augusta-Margaret River kept its hopes of playing finals football alive with a 34-point win over Donnybrook at Gloucester Park on Saturday. In an extremely even game, the contest was played between half back lines, with shots on goal at a premium for the Hawks as they kicked against the wind in the first quarter. The Dons maintained their strength in the second quarter, as they held onto an 11-point lead at half- time. The teams traded behinds during the first five minutes of the second half, before Hawks half-forward Kelvin Lawrence scored two vital goals. Despite this, the Dons were looking good, as a bout of ugly weather was likely to close in during the second half. However the rain held off, which gave the Hawks a chance to adjust their play. Three goals against the wind in the third term by Harry Taylor and Ben Gerrans and strong tackling through the midfield gave the Hawks a six-point lead heading into the final quarter. The Hawks’ defence was pivotal in the second half, allowing only one late Donnybrook goal as mercurial utility Taylor hit the scoreboard with three goals to secure the comeback victory. The win was revenge for the Hawks, who defeated the Dons for the first time since round two, 2018. Post-game, Hawks coach Matt Jamieson was elated with the win.