Posted on Saturday, June 13th, 2026
Game Recap: Hawks v Bulls
Result: Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks (101) defeat Franklin Bulls (95)
This match wouldn’t be any ordinary game for the Hawks. Not only were they looking to stop their losing streak, but also get a win on the celebration of 50 years of the Hawks, the celebration of their 2006 Championship and the jersey hanging of Paul Henare. It would be The Hawks taking the first half as a 25-20 first quarter and a 22-18 second would give the home side a 9 point edge. The third quarter would have the visiting Bulls eat into that lead and then eventually take the lead for their own. The fourth would have both teams battle it out until ultimately, down 88-86, Chase Jeter had the chance to tie it with his 2 FT attempts. Both of which he was able to convert. The Bulls would call a timeout to get another play to potentially win the game. Their play wouldn’t convert and the match would head to overtime. Keanu Rasmussen would come up with some big buckets down the stretch and, behind an impressive 25 points and 15 assists, clinch the match for the home side Hawks.
Leading Players:
Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Keanu Rasmussen (25p, 6r, 15a), Dan Grida (23p, 7r, 4a), Alonzo Burton (17p, 3r, 2a)
Franklin Bulls: Derrin Boyd (25p, 11r, 2a), Dom Kelman-Poto (20p, 8r, 4a), Carter Whitt (15p, 8r, 10a, 4s)
MVP Votes:
Keanu Rasmussen (Hawks) – 10
Dan Griday (Hawks) – 7
Derrin Boyd (Bulls) – 7
Dom Kelman-Poto (Bulls) – 3
Jace Carter (Bulls) – 2
Jeremy Mclaughlin (Hawks) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: TotalEnergies Hawke’s Bay Hawks (38) defeat Oilhub.com Franklin Bulls (36)
It would be the Jacob Murphy and Isaac Allen show in Hawke’s Bay as the duo would begin firing early. Isaac Allen was lethal from outside, going 3 from 5 from the outside while aggressive drives led to crucial free throws that would be impactful down the line. On the other end, Ellis Biggar showed his dominance. With the Centre going 6/7 from inside whilst also pulling down 5 rebounds. Initially the Hawks would take a 13-10 lead which would turn into a 2 point lead at the half. The Bulls would go on a run in the 3rd and assume the lead heading into the fourth with 3 points worth of breathing room. The Hawks would come out with a big 4th quarter and snatch the game away from the Bulls with a 38-36 victory.
Leading Players:
TotalEnergies Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Jacob Murphy (12p, 2r, 3a), Isaac Allen (11p)
Oilhub.com Franklin Bulls: Ellis Biggar (13p, 5r), Harry Kelso (7p, 5r, 4a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Jacob Murphy (Hawks) – 10
Harry Kelso (Bulls) – 6
Isaac Allen (Hawks) – 5
Ellis Biggar (Bulls) – 5
Clifton Bush III (Hawks) – 3
Ezrah Eagle (Hawks) – 1