THE Myall River Hawks JRLFC U14s girls side capped an impressive campaign with a Grand Final appearance in Cessnock on Saturday 30 August.
After a rain-plagued season, including a postponement of the final from the weekend before, the girls were gifted a rare sunny Saturday to do battle with competition arch-rivals East Maitland.
The extra week of training was certainly not wasted, and, as has become tradition, the grand finalists’ names and numbers were strung along the Myall Way, visible right along the road out of Tea Gardens heading to the big game.
The U14s Hawks secured their spot in the Grand Final via a thrilling preliminary final weeks before, which ended in a big win over the Cessnock Goannas (32-0).
Liv Delardes scored two tries in the preliminary final, with Indie Hope, Shiloh Chapeyama, Poppi Tyler, Indi-Rose Macklin, and Alicia Mitchell all scoring a try each.
Conversions were kicked by Liv Delardes and Telly Sloggett.
Saturday’s Grand Final was a rematch between minor premiers East Maitland and the Hawks, who finished the season in second place.
All the U14 Hawks girls were debutants in competition footy, having come in from Coolongolook, Bulahdelah, Nerong, Medowie, Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Tea Gardens.
“After a great effort beating Cessnock prior to make the Grand Final, Myall River were on a high and hungry to win,” Myall River Hawks JRLFC President Ryan Saunders told NOTA.
“Myall River started the first half on fire, defending like champions; their defence is what got them to the Grand Final.”
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with East Maitland scoring a single try to lead 4-0 at the break.
The second half began with promise for the Hawks, but errors crept into their game and led to East Maitland extending their lead with a second try.
The Hawks fought until the very last siren however, even as a few injuries impacted their defensive line.
East Maitland ended up running away with the win (0-20), but remained humble, helping carry off an injured Myall River player.
“We are all proud of the effort of everyone involved in this all-girls tackle team,” Ryan said.
“Daniel Collins took on the coaching role… congratulations mate, the girls and the club are truly lucky to have you be a part of it.
“All the staff that made each week possible, thank you.
“Congratulations team, you are winners in our eyes, from start to finish you have done us proud.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
