The Inverell RSM Hawkettes progressed through to the Group 19 preliminary final, with a comprehensive 18 to 6 victory over the Moree Boomerangs at Glen Innes on Sunday.
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At a windy and cold Mead Park, the Inverell side put together a committed team effort in their four tries to one win over the third placed Boomerangs.
Their determination showed early on, when after five minutes a kick was put through by Inverell on the fifth tackle, and Monique McCoy grabbed the ball after the Moree team allowed it to bounce, and raced 20 metres to score out wide.
The Boomerangs with the advantage of a strong wind at their back, were able to keep the Hawkettes camped in their own half for an extended period, and were rewarded with a converted try mid way through the half.
Three minutes later and after a Boomerangs error, the Inverell girls worked their way deep into the Moree teams half and had Hollie Stafford sprint over in the corner to regain the lead for the Hawkettes.
From the kick off, Inverell worked their way to just short of half way, Kyla Hamilton managed to create an overlap and send April Lindsay-Constable on a 60 metre run, which saw her beat a number of opposition players to score under the posts.
Hollie Stafford converted and Inverell was in front 14-6.
Inverell came within a whisker of putting the match safely in their keeping right on half time, when Kyla Hamilton split the Boomerangs open with a break from half way, only to be tagged when in the process of scoring.
The Hawkettes went to the break leading by 14 to 6.
With the Inverell team having the wind at their back for the second half, Lenikki Craigie took this advantage by continually driving the ball deep into Boomerangs half and making them work their way back off their own line.
The experience of Codie Ryan and Alicia Bussell shown through with their organization of the Inverell defensive line and with the flawless display at fullback of Gaby Watkins, this allowed the Inverell girls to keep the Boomerangs scoreless throughout the second half.
A great individual try to Alicia Bussell five minutes from full time sealed the win for Inverell 18 to 6.
Inverell coach David Koch was delighted after the match with the committed effort that the girls displayed.
Koch was particularly impressed by the performance of the teams younger members who were experiencing their first taste of finals football.
This Sunday the Inverell RSM Hawks A Grade and Presidents Cup teams travel to Moree to contest the major semi finals.
Both teams will have the Moree Boomerangs as their opponents.
The winner of the A Grade match will have the privilege of hosting this years Group 19 Grand Finals.
If you can get to Moree on Sunday, head on down to Anne Street oval to cheer on the Inverell RSM Hawks A-grade and reserves.
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