The Harden Hawks have secured the George Tooke Shield Open Men’s Premiership with a 24-20 win over the Crookwell Green Devils.
Having lost their four most recent grand final appearances, it appeared as if the Hawks would be on the end of another loss as Crookwell raced to a 10-0 lead within nine minutes.
“We were worried there for a bit,” said Harden captain, Luke Brown. “They were pretty tough but we got around them, didn’t panic and got away with the win.”
Having been a part of Harden’s last premiership side in 2009, Brown was relieved to have finally won his second premiership.
“I think I’ve been in about six and this is only the second I’ve won so it’s a good feeling to finally get another one.”
Harden hit back with venom in the latter stages of the first half with three quick tries, including a try for prop Nick McArthur who managed to grab his first for the season.
With an 18-10 lead at halftime, Harden were given another scare when Dion Aramoana took several defenders with him as he grounded the ball over the line.
However, Harden regathered quickly and restored their lead through Johnathan Pouono.
Ben Picker scored his second try of the afternoon with 13 minutes remaining to setup a grandstand finish but Harden managed to hold on to claim the 2017 Premiership.
Elsewhere, the Bungendore Tigerettes managed to defeat Harden 28-16 in the Russell Kennedy Lawyers Ladies League Tag. The Tigerettes will now face the West Belconnen Warriors as the two premiership winning sides from the George Tooke Shield and Austbrokers Canberra CRC face off.
Meanwhile the Harden Hawks stopped the Bears dream run to the finals with a 36-0 in the Youth League Grand Final.
