THE Tea Gardens Hotel Hawks continued their surge to the semi finals with a solid win over the Wangi Warriors on Sunday. The Warriors have slipped from third spot after the loss, and will now battle for a semi final spot with Stroud and Gloucester. Wangi fielded a very experienced side. Old habits die hard, and the young Hawks outfit were on the end of several marginal shots from the Warriors. With a resolve, the locals dished it back to the visitors in a match that had the crowd wanting more.
The game saw the Hawks undefeated at home for the first time in recent memory. The closest was a draw with Stroud in round seven.
Best for the Hawks was half back Tyson Jolly. His efforts lifted the side to a higher level. None better than five-eight Josh Fidden, whose game gets stronger each week.
In the forwards, Matt Browne continued his great form. Trent Murphy is playing with intensity, and second rower Mike Nanai continues to step up his performance.
At the post match presentations, the Club forwarded thanks to this years sponsors. Thanks were also extended to supporters and committee members, who have worked hard throughout the year. The entertainment each week is a result of their efforts.
Awards: Best forward Trent Murphy. 2 points went to Mike Nanai and one point to Scott Peachman. Best back was Josh Fidden. Trent Saunders 2 points and 1 point to Tyson Jolly. The Referees Best and Fairest 3 points went to Brooke Roach, with two points going to Trent Murphy. The Jack Craig Nolan Player’s Player award was won by Tyson Jolly ahead of Scott Peachman. The Waco Kwikform Supporter’s Award was won by Jamie McSpadden, from Toby Ray and Metui Vaipulu.
In a major announcement, the Hawks have named Brooke Roach as the Club’s coach in 2010. His appointment is on the back of strong efforts this season as a player and coach that have injected a new resolve into the team.
In other matches in round 13 Central Wyong 18 defeated Gloucester 16, West Maitland 48 defeated Abermain 38 Stroud defeated East Maitland. Central Wyong are at the top of the table on 22 points. Tea Gardens Hawks 19, West Maitland 15, Wangi 14, Stroud 13, Gloucester 12, Abermain 10, and East Maitland 3.
The Hawks will travel to Stroud on Saturday. The game will kick off at 2.30pm. This will wrap up the competition rounds for 2009. A win to the Hawks could see Stroud drop out of the semi finals.
Contact 0427 602197 for Tea Gardens Hawks Football Club information.