Match Report

Round 1

Centurions v Hawks May 16 2009

Newcastle started their first game of the new season away to Middlesborough Hawks. The team featured new additions to the squad including Rhys Tomlinson and Chris Pearson who impressed during last weeks successful National Carnival. Many regular first team members including Aussie pairing Rick Shrowder and Cameron Harris were also present for a tough first game.

Middlesborough featured a very changed line up and were physical from the start, the weather conditions did not help as Newcastle struggled to get into the attacking third. However the Centurions showed grit and held on finishing the first quarter with an even score. The second quarter brought the sun and Newcastle were finally able to show the skills that made them last years North East premiers. They dominated throughout the second half and built a commanding lead, with Shrowder and Harris leading the way from the ruck. The third quarter saw more rain but Newcastle defended well with Steve Allen providing a rock like defence and conceded few points while the Newcastle midfield and forwards tormented the Hawks defense with further goals and adding to the tally. By the fourth quarter the game was all but one and as the sun came out the Centurions and the Centurions enjoyed their first victory of the season.

Thanks should go out to the Hawks who lent a couple of their players for the match and who both played great games against their own club.