THE Tea Gardens Hotel Hawks are preparing for their last game of round one with four wins from six games. The team are currently sitting in equal third on the ladder with Stroud and Wangi, however both those teams have a game in hand because of wet weather. In a strong competition, Central Wyong appears the team to beat, along with Abermain and Wangi. Stroud has a strong side on paper, and West Maitland has bounced back after a slow start. Next week the Hawks are at home to the Stroud Raiders. The game will kick off at 2.30pm. Considered a local derby, the Raiders have a good record at Myall Park.

A second home game will be played the following Saturday against Abermain. This will mark a life membership game for Trent Murphy. Playing for the Hawks since 2002, Trent Murphy has played in excess of 100 games for the club. A member of the 2003 premiership side, and the 2004 grand finalists’ team, he has seen the highs and lows of the club over the last eight years.

The Hawks will play a second Saturday game in round 12. Billed as a Super Saturday, this game will be played in conjunction with the Myall River Junior games. The 13s will kick off at 10.30 against Singleton. The Country Club sixteens will play Swansea at 11.30. The Hawks will take the field at 1.30 against East Maitland. Support for the Junior League has been ongoing from the club. Three players from last years Myall River 17s side are playing for the Hawks this season.

Looking toward the 2010 season, the year will mark the 30th anniversary of the Hawks foundation season. A Red and Green ball is being planned, along with club reunions, and functions. A photo of the originals has been located, and assistance from locals to name the players is being sought. The club is intending to raise funds for new ground lighting for Myall Park. The existing lights have more than served their purpose, and are in urgent need of upgrading. A boxing tournament, promoted by WISC Promotions is being planned for the latter part of the year. On the park, the Hawks are confident of retaining Brooke Roach for next season. His appointment as coach this season has seen positive results to date, building a foundation for future success.

In other rugby league news, the Myall River Juniors will recommence their season this Saturday. The 13s are away to Glendale, while the Country Club 16s will play Central Charlestown at Home. The game will kick off at 10am.

Contact 0427 602197 for Tea Gardens Hawks Football Club information.