A win from the Under 12s would see them in the top four of the DDAFL ladder, but it wasn’t to be.

In the first quarter the young Hawks set a cracking pace putting it to Coolaroo early on with hard tackling and forward movement – it was fantastic to watch.

The stars of the first quarter included Kingsley Williamson, Logan North, Sam Baldock and Jackson Lemm. Unfortunately by the third quarter they looked a different team, having lost this initial momentum.

The tackling fell away and the desire for the football wanned, which let Coolaroo back into the game.

The result, Goondiwindi surrendered their half time lead that they had worked so hard to obtain.

The highlights included a great game from Carl Clements, Amy Hague played her usual outstanding football (but she is now sadly out for the next few weeks due to a questionable tackle), and Matt North and Ashley Hagiel provided the spectators with some fantastic around the ground marking.

Final Score Goondiwindi 2.1.13 defeated by Coolaroo 9.10.64.

Goal kickers were Wendy Litherland 1, Zac Naismith 1.

Best Players: Carl Clement, Ashley Hagiel and Matt North all received Royal Hotel Encouragement Awards.

The Under 14s started at a furious pace lead by Joe Verney, Tyson Hagiel and Ben Ambrose, with Goondiwindi kicking 4 goals to Coolaroo’s 2 in the first quarter.

In the second quarter Lachlan Tulloch was moved to centre half back where he stopped numerous advances by Coolaroo.

With the game in the balance at three-quarter time the coaches decided to bring Lachlan Tulloch and Matt North to the midfield in a last ditch attempt to steal momentum away from Coolaroo, but unfortunately Coolaroo came away with the points, but Goondiwindi fought it out to the bitter end. Well done guys!

Final score Goondiwindi 10.5. 65 defeated by Coolaroo 13.7.85.

Goal kickers were Joe Verney 8, Ben Ambrose 1, Kingsley Williamson 1.

Best Players: Ben Ambrose, with Lachlan Tulloch, Tyson Hagiel and Joseph Verney all receiving Royal Hotel Encouragement Awards.

Thanks partly to a Rugby League bye and school holidays, the Under 16s Hawks enjoyed an influx of new players – thank you guys for fronting up to give AFL a go!!

New players included Ben Murphy, Scott Rissman, Harry Hawker, Callum Clement, Don Turvey and Tong Suntornronleongsm.

Ben Murphy defended well and had some great kicks.

Scott Rissman had great drive out of the centre with pace.

Harry Hawker played in back pocket and had some great defence kick outs. Callum Clements ran all day across the centre, assisted by Don Turvey.

Tong came along with two great marks and kicked to team mate (old timer) Dylan Jones.

Lachlan Tulloch was best on ground at full back, backing up for two games in a row with Gus McLaughlin.

The two Bell boys, Walter and Doug, travelled a long way (yet again) and played a terrific game. Brad Ambrose and Joe Verney changed positions unselfishly to assist the team.

Lachlan Smith ran hard all day still trying to get back to his old form.

Final score Goondiwindi 8.10.58 defeated by Coolaroo 16.7.113

Goal kickers were Dylan Jones 2, Brad Ambrose 2, Lachlan Smith 1, Joseph Verney 1, Doug Bell 1, and Tong Suntornronleongsm 1.

Best players: Donald Turvey, Doug Bell and Lachlan Tulloch received the Royal Hotel Encouragement Awards.

All three junior grades will be working hard at training this week to improve skills to sustain momentum before taking on Souths at this weekend’s 30 Year Reunion matches.