1s 
We travelled to Passmore Oval to take on Hamilton in a top of the table clash, with the Hawthorn Cup also on the line. Two debutants suited up for their first starts. Congratulations to Jack McGregor and Brenton Gibson. 
 
Running with the wind in the first half, we overcame a cagey opening with a strong period of possession and field position. However, we lacked the final pass or lucky bounce we needed to break through for the first score. Hamilton defended resolutely and when the chance came, they crossed to take a 5-0 lead.  
 
The try and a dominant scrum turned the momentum in favour of the Hawks. Tom Newman was yellow carded for repeated scrum infringements and after a sustained period of pressure against 14 men, the Hawks crossed to extend the lead to 12-0. Luke Corrigan made a number of strong 1 on 1 tackles and steals as we hung on until half time, while Lachy Milton was a constant threat with ball in hand.  
 
Some calming instructions were given at the break and the boys came out with renewed confidence. The set piece steadied and with it came an increase in possession for the Greens. This led to a yellow card to the Hamilton centre for repeated infringements. Almost immediately Kos Sykiotis, who was strong in attack and defence all game, finished off a long range backline move sparked by Sam Rouse.  
 
The Greens kept looking to exploit the space created by the yellow card. A great ball from McGregor put Rouse into space out wide, whose back and forth with Skyiotis saw him cross in the corner. Rouse’s conversion from the sideline into the wind saw us take the lead for the first time, 14-12. 
 
The Hawks returned to 15 and buoyed by a vocal home crowd and strong breeze at their back swung momentum back their way. After camping in the Greens’ 22 for some time, their number 8 crashed over beside the posts from a scrum. 19-12 Hawks.  
 
A couple of changes for fresh legs helped the Greens as the never say die attitude surfaced. A period of frustration in attack, including a disallowed try for reasons unclear, a barnstorming Newman made amends for the earlier card. Charging onto the ball from at least 20m (or 50m according to other members of the front rowers union) out, he carried a couple of Hawks defenders over the line. The conversion gave us a 21-19 lead we would never relinquish.  
 
The Hawks had a couple of tough opportunities from penalty goals late on, but were unable to convert. The win saw us take the Hawthorn cup and maintain an unbeaten start to the season. Players player shared between Rouse and Milton. 
 
We still drop to second on the ladder due to Nelson Bay’s bonus point win, although they have not yet had the bye. 

2s 
It was a new look 2s side due to promotions to 1s, injuries, unavailability and strong form of 3.1s and 3.2s.  
 
The experienced Toby Wait moved to 10 and guided the team strongly. 2s debutants Matt Hickey and Tino Vaihu started strongly in the centres. They combined to see Hickey score first points and take a 5-0 lead.  
 
A strong platform was being laid by the pack. Darcy Christie-Johnston and Rhys Bray were proving a handful for the Hawks in attack and a menace in defence, while other forwards line speed was causing problems for the Hawks who could not maintain much rhythm.  
 
As the half wore on we continued to build pressure and points. A highlight came from Ethan Fowles, who on the end of some sharp interplay between the forwards and backs, got into space from inside the greens 22. A chip and chase and some fancy footwork saw a great finish to an 80m movement which extended the score to 20-0. 
 
Changes were made to keep the legs fresh. By full time Bray and Fowles had doubles and Ryan Hucherko, also strong on debut in 2s, were on the scoresheet. Final score 41-0 to the Greens in what is the largest margin of victory in 2s over Hamilton in some time. A good indication the club has great depth despite the injuries and unavailability.  

Written by Sam Bright.