But little does the scoreboard reflect the heart that has been shown or the effort the Goondiwindi boys have been pouring in each week.

Saturday’s game against Coolaroo was one of the best displays shown yet and with 22 players on the field and more to return from injury, this was also an encouraging sign.

The game saw the Hawks start slowly but the gritty defence of Dan Ash, Jake Goad and ‘Axe’ kept the score line tight. Sam Dunmill kicked Gundy’s first goal for the day in what was his 50th game for the Hawks, congratulations Sam.

Coolaroo’s usual physical game plan had the reverse effect with one of their players being taken from the field in an ambulance after dislocating his shoulder. No amount of morphine could raise the poor soul to his feet with play halted for 45 minutes.

Not much was in the score at half time thanks to a great effort from the middle men – Steve Collett, Russ Baldock and Daryl Martin with Daryl showing that you can use an arm or a leg or your face to halt the opposition in their tracks.

The game got away from the Hawks late in the contest and not even the speed of new boy Alek Taylor-Gough nor the streamlined hair of big man Joel Drier could save a determined Hawks outfit. Dan Ash was awarded players’ player with a red hot performance from the back pocket.

Final score hawks 5-4-34 Coolaroo 16-10-106.

Goal kickers were Sam Dunmill, Jeremy Leahy, Russell Baldock, Brad Ambrose and Matt Steer with one each.

Next week the Hawks are at home again to play University and hopefully with the support of a good local crowd, the Hawks can get their first much needed win for the year.