Hawks look to the finals

THE Gatton Hawks will finish the season in third place after defeating Newtown in their final clash of the season.
After last week’s poor performance the Hawks needed to win to guarantee a spot in the top three and they took to the field with renewed determination and dominated from the kick-off.
After being gifted possession from Newtown Jamie Dodt was able to capitalise within the first five minutes of the match.
With good use of their backline the boys found themselves close to the line and Josh Rose used his strength to push his way to the line.
Newtown rallied and went over for two quick tries before Jacob Rose and Luke Dwyer each scored tries giving the Hawksahealthy 22-12 lead at the break.
The Hawks were glad to have back Aaron Werth’s leadership and Kieran Hoffman’s and Nick Kofoed’s bruising defence which enabled the boys to stick to their game plan and control the play.
The boys built on their half-time lead regularly throughout the second half to triumph 46-20.
Everyone stepped up this week as the Hawks now have a bye before the first week of finals football.
Try scorers were Jacob Rose, Hobie Willmett (2), Jamie Dodt (3), Luke Dwyer, Josh Rose and Kane Taylor. Conversions by Matthew Rose (5).
RESERVE GRADE
The first half of the match was evenly matched with both sides going tit-for-tat until a late try by Jai Taylor put the Hawks in the lead at the break 14-10.

In the second half Newtown came out firing and put on three unanswered tries until 28 minutes in when the Hawks woke up and Josh Hedges found the line.
Newtownwas quick toreply but to the Hawks credit they kept their heads up and battled on and Peter Shepley was able tobarge over the try line as the siren sounded.
The final score was 34-26 to Newtown. Despite the loss, Reserve Grade has managed to remain in the top five, booking a spot in the finals.
Try scorers were Matthew Smith, Peter Shepley, Aaron Robbie, Luke Shepley and Josh Hedges. Conversions by Jai Taylor (3).
UNDER 18
The young Hawks played one of their best games of the season against top of the table Newtown.
Despite only having 13 players (no reserves) and early injuries, the boys can hold their heads up with a respectable 22 – 44 final score loss to Newtown.
Stand outs of the game were Luke Morrison who showed his agility and speed stepping into the dummy half slot and Brad McPherson, who despite a bad head cut soldiered on so that his team didn’t have to play a man short.
Try scorers were Chris Neuendorf, Todd Godwin and Beau White (2). Conversions by Chris Neuendorf and Chris Ryan (2).
C GRADE
The Hawks successfully survived a brutal match to take out this year’s minor premiership.
The boys dominated early on taking a 22-nil lead into half-time.
The second half was marred by several incidents which unfortunately resulted in an early end to the game.
Troy Lavender’s performance earned him player of the match and PJ White showed his blinding pace down the wing scoring two tries and saving numerous others.
The entire team gave a whole-hearted performance running our 26-10 winners.
Try scorers were Dean White, Peter (PJ) White (2) and Aaron Robbie. Conversions by Aaron Robbie (3).
This week the sides will have a bye, while the under 18s play Highfields on Saturday.
It is likely that Reserve Grade will be playing their minor semi-final on Saturday, August 28 and A Grade will be playing on Sunday, August 29.
The club will be putting on buses to take supporters to these games.
For timings and to book a seat contact club Secretary, Vicki Ryan on 5462 7381 or email vpr172@bordernet.com.au after the weekend.
The club will be hoping for continued support during the finals as the three sides all push for premierships.