THE Tea Gardens Hotel Hawks will meet Wangi for the 2009 grand final following their defeat against Central Wyong. Wangi took down Central Wyong 38 points to 20 after leading 28 nil at half time.
The decider will be played at St John Oval Charlestown on Saturday September 5, from 1.20pm. A bus will leave the Tea Gardens Hotel at 10.30am, at cost of $20. Names are required to be placed on the board at the Hotel.
The week gave the Club a chance to reflect on the season, and plan for the last game of the year.
To get a team to this stage requires significant support from many people.
Sponsors in particular who have supported during the economic crisis. Supporters who put their hand in their pocket during fundraising activities. Spectators who encourage the side at game time. Committee members, who give their time for little reward, other than bragging rights when the Hawks compete well, or win a game. Support staff that prepare and attend to the players. Ball boys, sand boys, and scoreboard attendants. The Club extends thanks to all.
The Club has a distinct player roster this season. As a coach, Brooke Roach has set the standard. Supported by Club captain Trent Murphy, the side has a no nonsense front row to build on.
The Club has nine players who are 19 or under. The enthusiasm is apparent when these players take the field, Led by five eight Tyson Jolly, and centre Josh Fidden, they are a major contribution to the Club’s success. Lock, Matt Browne, who has topped the point scoring in the four divisions, oozes determination. Live wire halfback, Jamie McSpadden plays well above his weight, and can turn on a try out of no where. At fullback, Simon Spooner has elevated his game another notch, off last year’s rookie of the year display. Out of last years junior grades, Tom Evans and Aden Callaghan will be better players for the experience. Meanwhile Josh Simms has made every post a winner on the wing, Ben Feeney has filled the “super sub” role playing at centre, halfback, hooker, and second row.
Hawks players who have struggled at the bottom end of the table over the past years, have enjoyed the teams success. Hooker Jason Purdon has stood out over the last three seasons. Last year’s Player of the Year, he Jason has stuck by the Club, and will be instrumental in this year’s decider. Clayton Bloomfield, Scott Peachman, and Daniel Robertson have endured the past season’s heavy losses. Trent Saunders has had a mixed season, however on his day has stood out in attack and defence.
Travis Markey has been hampered by injury throughout the year, however his return during the finals has given the side added impact. Centre Ryan Saunders is enjoying a second season with the Hawks, displaying strong defence, and a great turn of speed in attack. Utility back, Toby Coates is playing in his third grand final series for the Hawks.
Along with Trent Murphy, Toby Coates was a member of the successful 2003 campaign.
Temo Marks, Metui Vaipulu and Nathan Jolly have added stability to the bench. Mike Nanai has played with flair throughout the season, and winger Toby Ray displays a want to win attitude out wide.
Contact 0427 602197 for Tea Gardens Hawks Football Club information.
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