THERE was always going to be an element of fire power, big moments and even heartbreak during Sunday’s local derby between Leeton and Yanco-Wamoon.
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In the end it was the Hawks who ended up with a 24-22 win in what was a nail-biter for both players and spectators.
Yanco-Wamoon had to do it the hard way after being down 12-0 at half-time.
Hawks assistant coach Phil Puntoriero knew they were still in with a shot despite how the scoreline read.
“I thought we were actually the better team in the first half,” he said.
“They (Leeton) were just more efficient and taking advantage of opportunities.
“We came out after half-time and made sure we turned it around.
“Our attacking game came together and we went from there.”
Leeton were by no means out of the match as the Hawks mounted their comeback and their were many patches where the Hawks lapsed to let them back in.
“The last five to 10 minutes it was getting really close,” Puntoriero said.
“We were able to get a good win.
“It’s always a good thing to get a win over Leeton, but to retain the Frank Fiumara Cup as well, that means a lot to us and the community.”
The Hawks remain in sixth position on the Group 20 ladder, with Leeton one spot below them on seventh with eight points.
Puntoriero said there would be plenty to work on at training this week ahead of the Hawks next clash on Sunday against the Waratahs.
“We probably need to work on our attacking discipline,” he said. “Our defence in our own half probably needs a bit of work too.
“In saying that I felt our defence in the middle of the field was good, but there are some things we need to work on.” The Greens will play the Black Whites on Griffith on Sunday.
