THE first win of the season for the Tea Gardens Hotel Hawks saw a massive 66 point difference.
The Hotel Hawks defeated Kotara by 86 points to 20.
In the lead with 30 points to 20 at half time the hawks took to the field to in the second.
Trent Murphy was awarded the best on the field after he scored an amazing six tries, equalling the 19 year record held by the Slockee brothers.
Hooker Jason Purdon and five-eight Jason Scarlett were well supported by centre Matthew Browne and full back Simon Spooner.
Debutant Myles Bowen had a strong game.
Struggling for a win in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League competition this season, supporters are entitled to ask questions about the grading process.
The hawks were re-graded into a higher division after finishing two seasons near the bottom of the ladder and up until this game the team had been unable to match their opposition’s intensity for the full 80 minutes
The previous weekend the club hosted competition favourites, Dora Creek.
Not disgraced in a strong performance, the hawks lead by 24 points to 20, midway through the second half.
Playing a niggling style of football, the home side were putting it to their more fancied opponents for most of the game.
Soft tries in the first 20 and last 10 minutes let the side down.
At half time the coach impressed on the players that they were in the game against a side that thought they only had to turn up to get the points.
The hawks have a good side of dedicated young players.
Stepping up a grade and struggling to win a game has not sapped their enthusiasm. This year’s rookie of the year award will be hotly contested, with as many as eight players in contention.
Half back Ben Feeney is improving with each game and centre Simon Spooner has had an inspiring year.
Scotty Peachman has not shirked his elevation to the front row.
New signing Matthew Browne celebrated his first game for the hawks with a strong game in the centre and a brilliant try.
In the forwards, 2007 Iron Man Rod Leslie has retained last years form and Ian Nutt is developing a strong game.
The backline is being well served by Travis Markey, who plays 110 per cent in every game and Ryan Saunders has been strong in defence.
Next weekend, the club will host Dungog in the final game of the first round.
This game will show if the effort against Kotara was the team’s turning point for the season.
The game will kick off at 2pm at Myall Park.
The hawks 100 club winning number in week 10 was 65.
This week’s jackpot will be $120.
The 100 club will be holding its first function on Sunday, July 13, with a champagne breakfast starting at 9am at the Tea Gardens Hotel.
The function will have a circus theme, with members invited to contest the best dressed award.
For Tea Gardens Hawks Football Club information contact 0427 602 197.
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