Two scintillating tries by star Chris Woodbridge helped Dalby win an epic match in the Toowoomba Rugby League men's A grade qualifying final on Sunday.
Woodbridge was brilliant executing his two tries in the 28th and the match winner in the 79th minute, in which he beat a number of defenders to break the 34-34 deadlock and get the Diehards into their first grand final since 2017.
Dalby got out to a 22-2 lead in the first half until the Roosters rallied with Dylan Chown grabbing two excellent tries late to make it 22-12 at the break.
In the second stanza, Dwayne Duncan continued to inspire the Roosters as they drew level with Dalby at 22-22 after James Dempsey came off the bench to finish off two backline spreads to score in the corner.
Dalby were starved of possession during this period, they finally got some ball and regained the lead when Sam Gillespie ran onto a well-timed Blake Mara pass to score untouched in the 57th minute. The conversion made it 28-22.
Within four minutes, Valleys' Dempsey again scored after a Chown line break, before Duncan kicked the sideline conversion to again level the scores.
Chown was under the posts for his third try with eight minutes remaining to have Valleys leading 34-28.
Duncan had a shot at field goal without success before player of the match, Dalby’s Blake Mara, helped level the scores again after a determined try with three minutes remaining.
It gave the Diehards the momentum for Chris Woodbridge to work his magic.
Valleys will now meet Gatton this Sunday in the preliminary final at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
The Hawks eliminated Warwick 30-24 on Saturday night.
In an entertaining game, both sides could not be split after the first half with Gatton holding a slim 14-12 lead.
The Hawks skipped away in the second half and lead 24-12 at one stage until the Cowboys rallied and got to 24-24 with 10 minutes remaining.
Luke Self then scored his second try to break the deadlock and Gatton held on to win.
But the Gatton club is guaranteed to be represented on the final day of the season after the women's side beat Oakey 36-0 to advance to the 2023 Toowoomba Sports Club grand final.
It will be their third successive grand final, with a chance of winning three premierships in a row.
Sarah Hoger converted all six tries by her team with some long-range shots and also played well in general play. Courtney Robinson and Nat Webb took advantage of some good go forward finishing off some spectacular raids.
While things didn't go Oakey's way, they still remain in grand final contention when they take on Newtown this Sunday in the preliminary final.
Newtown defeated Highfields 28-6 in the elimination final and always had the game under control.
Anna Dingley and Kate Anderson scored doubles for the Lions, while Rosie Parsons, Leah Peckham and Janet Morofa were among their best on ground.
Valleys qualified for the grand final in reserve grade after a 13-12 win over Wattles, who will get a second crack up against Dalby, who beat Warwick 28-4.
It was a similar story in the under 19s, with Valleys into the grand final after a 12-10 win over Highfields. The Eagles play Dalby, who triumphed 21-20 in the eliminator, in the preliminary final.
