The Two Blues, who are celebrating their 95^th year, stormed past Maitland 5-28 in the preliminary final at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday to set up the date with the Hawks.

Chase Hicks crossed for three of the Two Blues' seven tries in a stand out performance.

Tight-head prop Alex Reid was also strong, while the back-row of Sam Schmidt, Piers Morrell and Jack Johnson-Holmes worked tirelessly.

Wanderers opened their account in the seventh minute when Nimi Qio strolled over after hooker Dave Waller had been pulled down just short.

After a gifting Wanderers territory with a series of errors, Maitland fought their way back into the contest.

But the game was turned on its head midway through the half went the Blacks lost Dale Clacherty (high tackle) and Dan Runchel (professional foul) to the sin bin in quick succession.

Wanderers made the most of the numerical advantage, crossing for three tries in eight minutes.

Hicks spun out of a Carl Manu tackle to touch down in the 24^th minute, Qio crossed for his second in the 29^th and Tim Marsh finished a 60-metre effort in the 30^th as the Two Blues jumped out to a 28-0 lead.

Maitland, after having their fill complement restored, hit back just before half-time when James Johnston burrowed over from close range for a converted try.

Hicks powered through two tackles for his second in the 47^th minute as the scored threatened to get ugly.

But as they have done all season, the Blacks lifted.

Captain Carl Manu took things into his own hands, receiving the ball one-out and somehow wrestling his way over besides the post to close the gap to 35-14.

Again Wanderers had the answer, with George Ashworth strolling over.

The Two Blues lost Dan Kevill to the sinbin.

Nick Davidson crashed over and replacement Willie Soe charge over shortly afterwards to give the Blacks hope at 40-28.

But Luke Simmons landed a penalty from 35 metres to give the Two Blues breathing space before Hicks iced the win with his third try.

Wanderers' win was achieved without skipper Ben Ham who suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the 34-19 loss to Hamilton in the major semi-final.

Hamilton also beat the Two Blues, 40-29, in the final round to secure the Hawthorne Cup.

Next Saturday's grand final will be the fourth time in five years that Hamilton have played Wanderers in the decider.

Hawks won three straight from 2015.

** In the women's grand final, the Waratahs overpowered Maitland 45-12 to compete the season undefeated fort a second straight year.

NSW Super W winger Maya Stewart and prop Maryann Utai each scored two tries. Utai was awarded the player of the match.