They have been competing in the Sydney Grade Cricket competition for 32 years, and on Sunday first grade secured their first ever place in a final defeating Randwick Petersham in Coogee.
In a thrilling contest, Hawkesbury won the match with an over to spare, making it through to the final of the limited overs competition on February 26 against Penrith.
“For us this is a slice of history. Hopefully we can go one better and win the final,” Club president Richard Timbs said.
It was a weekend of history making events for Hawkesbury, with the grade competition on Saturday being called off for the first time ever due to the extraordinary heat.
With a slight drop in temperature on Sunday the green light was given for the limited over semi final in Coogee.
Hawkesbury won the toss and sent Randwick Petersham in to bat. At the end of their 50 overs, they had lost nine wickets for 247.
Hawks Hameed Kherkhah turned the game around with a tight spell of spin bowling taking three wickets for 20 runs.
Pat Lawrence was also impressive with the ball taking four wickets for 67 runs included a hat trick with the last three balls of the innings.
Hawkesbury came out strong at the crease, with Jordan Gauci taking 82 runs with an aggressive run a ball innings opening, which provided the platform for the run chase
Josh Clarke followed with 79 runs as opening partner with Gauci. Dale McKay also turn on a decent 61 runs to see the Hawks take the match with an innings to spare.
Mr Timbs said Hawkesbury’s performance on Sunday was strong, saying the win has sent excitement throughout the club.
“We’re absolutely thrilled,” Mr Timbs said.
“The team has worked very hard all season and their level of play has been consistent.
“We made the top eight of the competition out of 20, and won two knockout games away against Gordon and Randwick Petersham to make the final … this is a tremendous achievement.”
Mr Timbs said it was a credit to the region that there was two Western Sydney teams in the final.
“It’s a local derby for us. While Penrith are our rivals they are also good friends of the club.
“The competition stretches from Manly to Sutherland, Campbelltown to the Hawkesbury so to have two Western Sydney teams in the final is a great result.”
Saturday grade cricket matches resume on Saturday.
