MYALL River Hawks Juniors teams soared into their respective finals seasons with a swag of victories over the weekend at home and away.

At Myall Park, the morning got off to a great start with the U11s beating Windale 54-18, bringing an exuberant end to their non-competition season, with standout performances from many.
The U13s played next, dominating opponents Swansea for both halves of the game.

Swansea still had hope as the first half drew to a close, despite the scoreboard already reading 24-0, but those hopes were dashed when the Hawks started off the second half with an almost immediate try.

In one highlight moment, several missed catches by Swansea gave possession to Alex Saunders near halfway, who ran all the way to score comfortably between the posts, celebrating with a dance for spectators.

Rain set in during the second half, as did a few more serious injuries for Swansea.

In testament to the Hawks U13s’ prowess all season, Swansea could not find the try line all game.

Further late injuries brought an early end to the game, with the Hawks winning 34-0 to secure the Minor Premiership.

The Hawks play Swansea again next week in the Semi Finals at West Wallsend, hoping to reach the Grand Final at Cessnock on 14 September.

On Friday night, 23 August, the U9s played their final season game at Mallabula, while the U16s battled West Maitland at Aberglasslyn in what was described as “a tight, heart-racing game”.

The Hawks U16s ultimately won 16-12 and are now off to the semi finals, having qualified in second position.

Tea Gardens senior player James Sinclair proved the value of incentive when he promised the U16s boys a full buffet at KFC if they won, and ended up shelling out over $500 to feed the team in their glorious, and hungry, victory.

By Thomas O’KEEFE