North Ryde Hawks finally clinch the big one

Losses make grand final victory taste so much sweeter

North Ryde Hawks JRLFC U/12s Div 2 won the 2016 grand final after a couple of tough losses.

• DEDICATED DOCKERS SHINE
• SHAMROCKS' LUCKY CHARM

For the North Ryde Hawks U12 Division 2 team, making the grand final was nothing new.

The boys had made it to the big dance each of the last three years, only to come away second best.

They finally got to taste victory this year however with a determined 38-14 grand final win over their fierce rivals Strathfield.

Club President Glenn Hillier said the win was a testament to the heart of the team.

“They’ve had a tough time the last couple of years,” he said.

“Last year was especially disappointing as one of our boys was taken to hospital after a headhigh tackle, which left the whole team pretty shaken up. But each year they kept coming back and trying again and just really believed in themselves.”

Hopes were high heading into the game after the team finished the regular season as minor premiers and they certainly lived up to the hype.

The Hawks dominated from the outset and took a commanding 22-4 lead into the halftime break before Strathfield came back into the contest with two quick second-half tries.

However two tries in the last five minutes would ensure North Ryde would finally end their multiple years of heartbreak in the best way possible.

“They all played extremely well, you would think they were playing in the NRL,” said Hillier. “It was an unbelievable win.”

The Hawks have been nominated for the Team Spirit Award, sponsored by SportsTG, as part of NewsLocal’s Junior Sports Star awards.

To nominate someone you know, go to juniorsportsstar.com.au

Originally published as North Ryde Hawks finally clinch the big one