THE Yanco-Wamoon Hawks won 56-28 in a fiery battle against the Leeton Greens and will advance in the Group 20 qualifying finals to meet Tullibigeal Lakes United this weekend.
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The Hawks entered the competition wary of the Greens, as Leeton surged through to score a try off the first kick.
Tightening their defence, they proceeded to block the following attacks by the Greens.
Back on stable ground, Hawks player Dan Hyde was the key in punching through Leeton’s line, scoring four tries for the match.
After a charged up first half, the Hawks held the lead over Leeton, 34-12.
While ahead by 22 points, the Hawks knew Leeton was still dangerous and would need to play the second half with caution.
The side returned to the field with authority and proceeded to dominate the game.
If the Greens opened up even the slightest gap in their line, Hyde was there to exploit the lapse.
Hyde continued to prove unstoppable, and was a big key to his side’s success.
“Dan Hyde, he’s a standout,” co-coach Glenn Dumbrell said.
“He just finds a line whenever he can.”
It was an overwhelming performance from the Hawks’ line, supported by big efforts from Zac Saddler and co-coach Tuki Jackson.
“Tuki was strong in the middle and carried us forward,” Dumbrell said.
“Zac was very good today, only 17 years old, he’s got a big future.”
The Hawks will head off to face Lakes this week for a spot in the grand final.
Leeton Greens coach Brent Pike felt the team’s loss was the result of problems that have plagued the side in recent weeks.
“We went away from our structure and pattern as we have been over the last six or eight weeks and it’s cost us the game,” he said.
“We’re going to need to sort our discipline out and the silly handling mistakes.”
Pike was pleased with performances by Jeremy Panuccio, Bas Blackett and Billy Dickinson.
The Greens will be fighting to stay alive as they meet West Wyalong on Saturday in the minor semi-final.