The Happiest Hawk: 40 Years in the Making

Hugh McKay | March 12, 2025

Day 2 of the final round of NSW Premier Cricket 1st Grade will go down as one of the greatest days in Hawkesbury’s history. Chasing Wests’ 276, we looked dead and buried after losing three wickets to a hat-trick late on Day 1. But what happened next was the stuff of dreams.

Tom Sargent stood tall, batting like a man possessed to finish on 125 not out at No.7. But he didn’t do it alone. With two wickets in hand and 79 runs still needed, young Reegan Wilson—a left-arm spinner who probably wasn’t expecting to be in the spotlight—dug in for 11 of the best runs he’ll ever make, helping steer the Hawks to an unbelievable win.

The result kept our finals hopes alive, and for the next two hours, we were glued to other results, desperately hoping things would fall our way. And somehow, they did. Hawkesbury had made the top six—for the first time in the club’s 40-year history. To say the celebrations went long into the night would be an understatement.

For me, as one of the club’s original players and committee members from day one, this was pure magic. We’ve had some bloody good teams over the years. We’ve produced stars like Stephen O’Keefe, Peter Forrest, and John Hastings, who all went on to wear the green and gold. But we’ve never quite cracked a finals spot—until now.

And what makes it even sweeter? This side isn’t packed with superstars. They’re a hardworking, no-fuss bunch who just turn up and get the job done. And leading them is Dale McKay, a Hawks lifer who has piled up 10,000+ runs, including nearly 9,000 in 1st Grade over 15 seasons. He didn’t really have a choice growing up—he was always going to be a Hawk. After all, he’s, my son.

To the Hawkie boys—you’ve done us proud. This is what we dreamed of 40 years ago when we started this club.

But don’t just be happy making the semis—keep fighting, keep believing, and see how far you can take this. Who knows? Maybe you’ll bring home the Belvidere Cup.

Go well, lads.

Hugh McKay