The Falcons struck first but the more experienced side had all the answers to run out 4-2 winners at Equex Centre on Sunday.

Admitting their rivals were fitter, Brad Ingram was pleased they were able to use their experience to wear them down.

“It was a tough game,” Ingram said.

“It was hot, it was windy and the young boys are so much fitter than we are and were playing it around real well.”

A screamer from Harry Trevaskis opened the scoring for the white team.

He swooped on a loose ball to fire it straight back through the heart of the Hawks defence to convert from well outside the box after 13 minutes.

But the Falcons didn’t hold an advantage for long.

Ali Mozafari almost responded a minute later but was denied by some desperate Falcons defence.

However it wasn’t long until he leveled things, weaving past two defenders before finishing the back of the net on 16 minutes.

The Falcons had all the early momentum, but Mozafari’s goal really turned the tide but the two sides went into the break at 1-all.

The deadlock didn’t last long as Adam Cesnik scored seconds into the second half.

Moments after the resumption, Chris Osckowski put Cesnik one-on-one with Falcons keeper Aidyn Stephens and he converted for a 2-1 lead.

Ingram thought the speedy goal was a key to victory.

“The boys dug deep and what we lack in speed we make up for skills on the ground,” he said.

“We started playing it around a bit and then we snuck one five seconds off the kick off and then we were right.”

The Falcons went close to finding the equaliser when Lewis Crowley was denied by Matt Rainbird from close range in the 71^st minute but two minutes with a similar move at the near post Crowley was able to equalise for the young side.

However three minutes later the Hawks went back in front as Mozafari slotted his second after finding himself in plenty of space.

The Hawks went further ahead in the 81^st minute as Josh Stocks found plenty of room behind Stephens to slot the title sealer.

Ingram said it was a strange feeling taking on and getting the better of another Henwood Park team in the grand final.

“It is weird having a win over another Henwood Park team, it is not something you get used to,” he said. 

“It is strange but it is good to get the win and four in a row too is unreal.”

Cesnik was named best in the grand final while Mozafari was also dangerous.

Henwood Park Hawks made it four straight Gardiner Shield premierships.

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