If you are going to save your best performance of the season, why not produce it against the team that is right behind you in second place? Well, that’s is exactly what the Ringwood Hawks did on Saturday night with an impressive 18 point win over the favored Waverley Falcons.

It was a huge night for the Hawks who were helping young Brady Cochrane who is fundraising for Miraclefeet, a foundation that assists underprivileged kids who have been born with Clubfoot and also celebrating the 300th Game for Co-Captain Matt Fennell.

Once the game tipped off the Hawks got exactly what they hoped for, a fast and aggressive start. Fennell (16 points and 12 rebounds) and Matt Snow (11 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists) dissected the Falcons defense time after time but Waverley stayed close with some pin point shooting from the perimeter.

The Hawks really started to close down the Falcons scoring in the second quarter and built themselves a double figure lead. Jacob Gibson (18 points) and Scottie Stone (13 Points), usually known for their offensive ability, were doing an excellent job at keeping the Falcons Daniel Dillon and Jason Reardon quiet. Just before the end of the first half, the Falcons made a late rally but still trailed the Hawks by 9 at the main break.

With the Rings stadium at full capacity, the Hawks started the second half with Shaun Clarke (14 points and 5 rebounds) providing an inside scoring option. Nathan Truman came off the bench and continued the Hawks defensive pressure which allowed his team to push the lead out to 16 at three quarter time.

An early last quarter run by Waverley was quickly answered by the Hawks who ran out very comfortable winners in a memorable performance.

“It was a big crowd, it’s was a big game and it was nice to perform well.” Said Hawks 300 Gamer Matt Fennell.

“The guys had real purpose from the moment they arrived to the venue.”

For Fennell’s part, he was spectacular and led from the front in his milestone game. His 16 points and in particular the 12 rebounds were just what the Hawks needed.

The win has the Hawks now sitting 2 games on top of the Big V ladder with 8 games remaining in the regular season.

Next week will present another interesting challenge as the Hawks travel to Broadmeadows to face the Hume City Broncos who have been on fire in recent weeks. Game time is 8pm.

To watch a replay of the game, click here.