THE Tea Gardens Hawks RLFC got their season underway with a promising hit out against West Wallsend last Sunday at Myall Park.
With several players out, they took the field as an unknown quantity, with as many as seven players making their debut.
The Hawks opened the scoring in the first half and went to the first drinks break leading eight points to nil.
The more experienced and well-drilled Westy side hit back, to first level and then led by 16 to eight with 15 minutes to go.
Showing a will to win, the Hawks hit back with two tries to level the score, and record a final score line of 16 points all.
Standing out in the forwards, were back rowers, Isaac Noake and Luke Worth. Both players gave 100 percent, with strong defensive displays.
Andrew Davison took the ball up strongly, and won the best forward award.
Rookie, Clayton Bloomfield, will be better for the run, and proved a handful with some big hit ups.
Off the bench, Jed Malone played well.
Hooker, Ben Burgess, was all over the park in attack and defence. He formed a good link with untried half back, Luke Tansey, who took the line on several times and off loaded well to his backline and forwards running one off the ruck.
New recruit, Nathan Dawe, played well in the backline, as did centre Simon Judd, who suffered a severe cork early in the game, but played on through the injury. Ben Shannan was safe on the wing.
He was good in defensive work, and made incisive runs from the dummy half position. On the other wing, Mick Genner made a successful return to football, with a sound display. He has been told that was his last game on the wing, with a move to the forwards being promised.
Journey man, Graham Hall, dusted out the cobwebs with a return to the field for his first game in several years.
At fullback, Chris Sheals was outstanding. Noting two try saving tackles, he was awarded the best and fairest by the referee.
With only one game under their belt, the Hawks now move into the first competition game this weekend. The date and venue was not available at the time of print.
Contact the Hawks hotline [0427 602 197] on Tuesday for further details.
Club President, Rob "Dakka" Smith, thanked the team for the effort, and highly praised the determination shown by a young side.
Announced during his presentation speech was the 2006 major sponsor, The Tea Gardens Hotel-Motel.
They have continued their efforts of the past years, and appreciation was forwarded. Also announced was the seasons shorts sponsor, Bruce Lacombe's' Personal Car Sales. Jumper sponsors to date are Myall River Motor Inn, Tea Gardens Fresh Seafood, Myall Gourmet Meats, Moore's Laundry and Hawks Nest First National Real Estate have continued their game day sponsorship.
The "Hawks 100 Club" draw last Wednesday was won by number 56, Don Germon, who also picked up the Hotel jackpot prize.
Members are reminded that they need to remain financial. A "sharks" list is in place for people to snap up unfinancial numbers.
Memberships can be paid on Wednesday nights at the draw, or see Glen or Megan at the Tea Gardens Newsagency.
Email a friend