Work commitments and player movements have meant the team have not been able to field their best side for the past few months.

At Dora Creek, an upset looked possible with the Hawks ahead by 26 to 24 with 12 minutes to go.

All the momentum was with the visitors, on the back of inspiring games from five eight Travis Markey and hooker Jason Purdon.

Unforced errors let the swampies back into the game.

In a period of 10 minutes they scored four unanswered tries to win by 52 to 26.

The Hawks are now six points outside the semi final race.

Stockton is on top of the ladder with 25, Dora Creek and Dudley are on 18, Wallsend, Maryland and Stroud are on 16 and Dungog is on 13.

The Hawks are on 10, with Fingal Bay on eight and Kotara on the bottom of the table on six.

Last Saturday the Hawks travelled to Wallsend, to play what was seen as a season decider.

A poor week of preparation and last minute withdrawals meant a side was unable to be named until the last minutes.

With officials scratching for answers four new players made their debut off the bench and found themselves in the run on side.

Wallsend Maryland raced to an early lead through undisciplined defence out wide.

On the back of mistakes and borderline calls, the Hawks were unable to defend on their line.

Best for the Hawks were Jason Purdon who scored three tries and Trent Murphy who busted the home side in defence.

They were supported with big games from second row partners Rob Leslie and Jimmy Markey.

Simon Spooner was strong from fullback and Scotty Peachman took on the defence up front.

Paul Faasola picked up the tempo and was rewarded with a bustling try.

The final score was 42 to 26.

Next Sunday the Hawks will travel to Stockton to play the competition leaders.

The game is set down for 2pm and will determine the clubs semi final aspirations in 2008.

Contact 0427 602 197 for Tea Gardens Hawks Football Club information.