THE Gatton Hawks won their first Toowoomba Rugby League grand final in 24 years and their second in their history after a thrilling come from behind victory over the Valleys Roosters in Sundays grand final at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
Valleys, who were playing in their seventh grand final in eight years, led 14-0 at halftime and to many in the large crowd, it looked like a bridge too far for the Hawks to come back into the game.
However, in a much more free-flowing second half, Gatton halfback and man of the match Jason Wilmot took advantage of the tremendous running of the big Hawks pack; in particular props Samson Mariner and Dennis Burgoyne, to set his team up for the 32-20 win.
The victory capped a successful day for the Hawks after they triumphed over the Pittsworth Danes 38-22 in the Reserve Grade grand final as well.
In the Under 18 decider, Valleys had some consolation, defeating Warwick 26-10.
Valleys, who were playing in their seventh grand final in eight years, led 14-0 at halftime and to many in the large crowd, it looked like a bridge too far for the Hawks to come back into the game.
However, in a much more free-flowing second half, Gatton halfback and man of the match Jason Wilmot took advantage of the tremendous running of the big Hawks pack; in particular props Samson Mariner and Dennis Burgoyne, to set his team up for the 32-20 win.
The victory capped a successful day for the Hawks after they triumphed over the Pittsworth Danes 38-22 in the Reserve Grade grand final as well.
In the Under 18 decider, Valleys had some consolation, defeating Warwick 26-10.
