TEA Gardens Hotel Hawks defeated minor premiers, Central Wyong by 46 points to 28 on Sunday to secure a spot in the 2009 Grand Final. The Hawks led by 18 points to 14 at the break. Toby Coates opened the scoring in the opening minutes with a 40 metre effort down the right hand touchline. Five minutes later Ryan Saunders scored down the left centre for the Hawks to take an early 10 points to nil lead. Central scored three unanswered ties over the next 15 minutes to take the lead. Left side winger Josh Simms scored out wide to level the scores. Seconds from the half time bell, a strong hit from replacement second rower, Scott Peachman gave the Hawks the ball to see Matt Browne score beside the posts.

Central Wyong opened the second half with two tries in 10 minutes, off the back of some undiscipline play from the Hawks. The second try was scored of two play the ball infringements. Front rower Trent Murphy score in the 57th minute after sustained pressure on the line. Replacement front rower took advantage of tired defence to make a 30m midfield break at the 60 minute mark. Of the momentum, Tyson Jolly put in a precision kick for Simon Spooner to regather and score under the post. The passage of play was the turning point of the game. Brooke Roach was denied a try under the post a minute later. A brilliant individual effort from Jamie McSpadden in the 70th minute took the Hawks lead to 36-22. Fullback Simon Spooner beat four players to score his second try of the day. Brooke Roach sealed the game in the 78th minute with a trademark try under the post. Central Wyong scored a consolation try in the dying minutes. Awards: Best forward three points went to Matt Browne. Trent Murphy received two points and Scott Peachman one. Best back was Ryan Saunders. Tyson Jolly two points, and one point to Simon Spooner. The Jack Craig Nolan Players Player award was won by Trent Murphy, ahead of Ryan Saunders and Tyson Jolly. The Waco Kwikform Supporters Award was won by Simon Spooner ahead of Jason Purdon and Jamie McSpadden.

In the minor semi final, West Maitland was defeated by Wangi. Central Wyong will meet Wangi in next week’s final. The Hawks will play the winner at 1.20pm at St John Oval on September 5. Contact 0427 602197 for Tea Gardens Hawks Football Club information.