THE Lady Hawks Women’s Oztag team should take a bow after a season of firsts.

Not only was it their first year as a team but many of the players had never played the game before they laced on their boots back in April.

“I’d never played footie before and suddenly I was coaching the Lady Hawks,” Ngaire White told the News Of The Area.

During the season the team played at their home ground in Hawks Nest and plenty of away games, travelling to Raymond Terrace and the Newcastle region.

One of the highlights of the season was the chance to play the All Ability side, a team comprised of young men and boys suffering a mental disability.

“It gave the boys an opportunity to play a mainstream team instead of each other,” Ngaire said.

“The ladies loved the sportsmanship and joy it brought to the All Ability team.”

“We’re now looking to have a cricket game against the AA team.”

The Lady Hawks finished their first season on a high last Saturday at Kurri Kurri, making it to the  finals against the much more experienced University side from Newcastle.

The Hawks led 6-4 at halftime, a try scored by Taylor Cooke  and converted by Sami Davidson.

University hit back hard in the second half.

The final score 28-6.

 

 

“We had a great game and a great season,”said the youngest member of the Lady Hawks 14 year old Amy McKeough.

Women and girls from 14 and over can join an Oztag team.

“It would be great if we could get 2 teams from the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens area up and running for next year,” Ngiare said.

All that is left for the next couple of weeks however is to celebrate their finals appearance with a Presentation Night on Saturday 17 September at 5pm at the Hawks Nest Golf Club.

It’s open invitation.  Tickets $50 for adults, $20 for children which covers a 2 course meal, 2 drinks, DJ, Lolly Bar and lucky door prizes.  Tickets available from the Golf Club cafe 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

 

By Margie TIERNEY