2011 Event Reviews

Brit Cup 2011

Without being satisfied with pre and post season trips, the Hawks often embark on a midseason trip. What makes the midseason trip so special is the fact that it is to play in the Brit Cup. The Brit Cup is a round robin competition held once a year for EU players only. As our club draws a lot of strength from our EU players (in fact we are the highest represented side in the Great Britain Squad) it is great to get behind and support them. Probably the most unique thing about the Brit Cup for our boys is the fact that they can’t rely on gun Aussies in key positions and instead must step to the plate in the ruck or down at full forward.

Unfortunately our selection was a bit light this year due to some injuries and other commitments keeping our stronger players from attending. So, rather than missing a chance to compete, we teamed up with the West London Wildcats to form a team. Thus the mighty South West London Wild Hawks were born.

After a lengthy train trip (during which the Zimmer frame lead the squad up and back the length of the train twice) involving a few beers, we arrived at Sheffield. Not missing the chance to get amongst it, we wound up dropping off the bags and making it into town. For most, the first night was just a warm up as the boys had a game to play the next day but for some it ended with a trip to a gay bar, a 3rd time lucky attempt to find the right Hotel and due to pizza box throwing incident at the Hotel resulting in an eviction, a morning spent sleeping in the car park.

We arose with groggy heads but keen to crack on and play or cheer our mates to victory. After a stop-off in fair Retford (highlight of the trip for some) we arrived to show the Northerners how to play AFL.

For the most part, the boys played good physical football and weren’t afraid to throw in a few good tackles. Unfortunately, we missed having a few tall lads and got stuck into playing zones instead of man on man. Still – the day itself was a cracking learning experience and every HawkCat on the field did us proud (especially after playing roughly four hours of footy in between two big drinking sessions).

The last night of the tour was the usual debaucheries Hawks night out. Sheffield fields extremely impressive nightlife and it’s true that the night life up north is large. We managed to fit in watching the boxing, various pubs, clubs and even a random rave.

For the few that were there and for the even fewer that can remember it, Sheffield was a great trip.

Epsom Derby Review

For the second straight year, the Wimbledon Hawks invaded the Epsom Derby in retro style! The much anticipated event was sold out well in advance and the lucky 67 were not let down. The day began with an early morning start and all the attendees piling on the 1960's double decker bus. The atmosphere was electric on the bus ride to the grounds and was only interrupted by Rosco, doing his best impression of Austin Powers' longest pee. Once arriving at Epsom, the Hawks staked their claim in the front row of the final stretch with three paddling pools filled with beer, cider and champagne. The female side of the group did there best attempt to finish all the champagne before the first race and may have done so, but the results are waiting for the photo finish. The pre-game festivities concluded with a lap of the track by the Queen, waving to fans and checking out the Hawks. (Especially Katsy) In an interview later on, she was overheard saying, "I love driving around the track and seeing all the Hawker boys looking so good, however, this year I was a tad bit disappointed by Katsy not wearing his white linen suit and seeing his chest hair blowing in the wind. But hey, there is always next year, and I did like Gareth 'China' Martin's German outfit.

The weather couldn't have been better with the temperature being around 28 degrees and the sun shining bright. The races were all exciting and there were even a few lucky Hawks on the day picking some big winners to spend at the bar later. By late afternoon and the last race finished, the sunburned Wimbledon gang, packed up their empty paddling pools, piles of cans and bottles and piled back onto the mean, green double decker to continue on at the Underdog until the wee hours of the morning.

If you weren't onboard this trip, make sure to book early next year to avoid more disappointment. Check out the photos on the Wimbledon Hawks Facebook group and follow the Hawks on Twitter at @wimbledonhawks.

Ladies Day Review

Saturday saw the eagerly anticipated start to the AFL London season, and with it, The Wimbledon Hawks Ladies’ Day! In time honoured tradition, the Hawks put on a special day of entertainment to thank the girls for their continued support. We all know a footy club wouldn’t survive without all those wives and girlfriends behind the scenes who are willing to put up with 3 training sessions a week, “just a few beers with the lads”, bruised bodies and a lot of muddy kit!

This year we wanted to make it a Ladies’ Day to remember, so we went all out on the organisation of it. We had professional flyers made up; we spent a bomb on Champagne and Pimms, strawberries and cream, home baked goodies, an all girls boat race and even sorted out a DJ for the evening entertainment, and it’s safe to say, it was a huge success! We saw record numbers of girls turn up to the club all keen to get involved and make the most of the great drinks offers. We also held kicking and handball comps which generated a lot of interest and the winners walked away with a lovely home baked treat from Choco and a bottle of Pimms!

As the games drew to a close everyone made their way inside to the clubhouse where DJ Thick Bleach entertained the masses for the last part of the day. All in all it was a fantastic start to the season and everyone who came walked away, albeit sideways for some, as very happy punters! A massive thank you to all who helped out to make the day a success. We hope the girls all come back to enjoy another day at the footy with the Hawks!

Father/ Son 3 Legged Bar Crawl - Review

Saturday evening saw the big start of the Hawkers social season – the Father and Son night! As the most renowned social team in London, it’s fair to say we don’t do thing by half! Imagine numerous Hawkers, old and new, and a few stragglers we picked up along the way, 10 different drinks in 10 different bars, 3 legs between 2 people and a plenty of cute chicks (literally!). The night kicked off at The Avalon where this seasons new boys were paired up with current squad members. The new boys were all given their drinking cards and Easter chicks with the challenge to get them in as many photos as possible with lovely bits of crumpet. I’m very proud to say none of them disappointed on that front! From then on the boys , tied to each other with a pair of stockings, navigated their way around 10 bars through Balham, sampling a concoction of beverages along the way. If the pre-season socials are anything to go by its safe to say everyone is in for a treat for the rest of the year! Good work to all who got involved and completed the course!