Hawks ready to roll: McKay

The Hawks’ results last year read like this: first grade (16th), second grade (18th), third grade (7th), fourth grade (12th) and fifth grade (17th).

It’s hardly impressive reading, but the club did make a Poidevin-Gray Shield (under 21s) grand final two seasons ago and some of its ex-players have returned to not only contribute on the field but help mentor the next generation of talent coming through.

“Overall, we’re looking better than last season,” McKay said.

“We’ve had some older players return and they’ll be filtered through the lower grades. We’re still trying to figure out how they’ll be spread out.”

Included in the players on the comeback is fast bowler Scott Heaney and ex-Blacktown top order batsman Corey Lowe, both of whom will play first grade.

Lowe scored a century and three half centuries in first grade last season.

Jay Dyball, who previously captained first grade, leads the side again this season, taking over from fast bowler Shane Mott and Dale McKay.

Mott now will be able to enjoy leading the Hawkesbury attack without the burden of captaincy and McKay expects it to benefit his bowling.

“I think he knew it wasn’t his job. It’s hard to be a fast bowler with that workload and make clear decisions at the same time,” McKay said. 

“Jay had been a good captain all through the junior grades and he’s done a good job.

“He’s got a lot of good traits and has a good cricket brain. He controls himself but can get aggressive too.”

Joining Lowe at the top of the order will be Dale McKay, who has just returned from a stint in England, and Alex Graham.

Graham is a hard-hitting batsman who is expected to shine.

“Alex Graham is a bit of a dasher and he’s one of those players, along with Dale [McKay] that we’ll be looking to,” McKay said.

First, third and fifth grades are away to Blacktown this weekend, while second and fourth grade play at Bensons Lane on Saturday.