Hawks humble Valleys

IT was deemed as the Gatton Hawks toughest test and the Hawks passed with flying colours, beating the top-of-the-table Valleys 30-24.

In front of a vocal home crowd, the Hawks made it eight straight victories, moving them into equal first on the ladder.

The reigning premiers have always had the wood over Gatton, but on Sunday the Hawks stepped out of the shadow and sent a message to the rest of the competition that they are now the team to beat.

Gatton coach, Russel Jones couldn't have been happier with the victory.

“As far as I am concerned, we are the side to beat,” an elated Jones said.

“That win was great for our self belief. We've got a long way to go but if we win one of our next two games we'll guarantee ourselves a top three spot."

The Hawks came out strong and determined and played tough, physical footy against the Roosters and despite a penalty from the kick-off, were quick to regain possession and capitalise when Travis White put first points on the board for the Hawks.

Valleys then hit back before the Hawks bounced back with two more tries from Aaron Werth.

It then took 15 minutes before Ben Reuter was able to find the line out wide, taking the Hawks to a 16-point lead.

With the Hawks looking like racing away Valleys Darren Schwerin, crossed the line before half-time to bridge the gap to 22-12 to the Hawks at the break.

The second half was an touch contest with the Hawks grinding out the Roosters.

The Hawks were the first to put on points in the second half through a penalty goal.

Valleys continued to stay in the contest, but were unable to reel the Hawks in who will now head to Warwick in search of a ninth straight victory.

Last year's Toowoomba Rugby League Player of the Year, Daniel Marsh, was simply sensational for the Hawks.

“Daniel Marsh was outstanding in defence and the way he took the ball forward,” Jones said.

“He's keen to win a premiership. He is the oldest player in the side at 27 and he's a great leader."

As well as Marsh, Jones was full of praise for the whole side.

“Travis White, our hooker, was exceptional too defensively.

“He played for 80 minutes and everything they ran at him he knocked over.

“I am very pleased with the performance of the players and they have the self-belief now that they have beaten Valleys.”

Try scorers for the Hawks were Jamie Dodt, Aaron Werth (2), Ben Reuter and Travis White. Conversions by Matthew Rose (5).

Reserve Grade

With key players still absent the Hawks struggled to settle into their game.

Brent Haak and Rob Keleli both managed to find holes in the Valleys defence to take the half-time score to 20-12 in Valleys favour.

The second half was a better game of back and forth footy with the Hawks putting on a good performance to come away with a respectable 40-28 loss.

Try scorers were Brent Haak, Damien Woolmer and Rob Keleli (2). Conversions by Jai Taylor (4).

Under 18

Once again the Under 18s game was a story of two halves.

The first half the young Hawks struggled to wake up and even though the penalty count was in their favour, they were never able to take advantage and went into the sheds 16-nil down.

The second half saw a determined side run on and immediately take it up to the Roosters.

The young Hawks played with enthusiasm and conviction, throughout the half to claw their way back into the game to a respectable 22-14 loss.

The highlights of the game were Beau White's Israel Folau impersonation, Jae Andrew's and Corey Neumann's bruising attacks and Chris Neuendorf's impressive 40/20 kick.

Try scorers were Beau White and Chris Neuendorf (2). Conversions by Chris Neuendorf (2).

C Grade

The table-topping Hawks were brought back to earth with a disappointing performance against Valleys.

The enthusiasm and team work which has been there for all to see this season was lacking as the Hawks slumped to a 20-18 loss.

Rob White was best for the Hawks, closely followed by Josh Sippel and Josh Belz.

Try scorers were Braydon Woolacott, Josh Belz, Kerrod Smith (2), Aaron Robbie (2). Conversions by Wayne Marshall (3) and Aaron Robbie (2).

This Sunday the Hawks are taking to the road again, travelling to Warwick.
Younger grades do well after some tense losses