By Andrew O’brien
Valleys are the first team to advance to the 2024 Hutchinson Builders TRL A Grade Grand Final when they defeated Gatton on Sunday 42-16.
Valleys started the better and lead 12-0 after two quick tries in the 17th and 20th minute through Cory McGrady who set up Barney Litidamu who split the line then Josh Keoller who ran onto an excellent McGrady timed pass to score.
The Roosters did dominate the first half but they did not put the points on the board and let the Hawks back in when Travis Turnbull scored four minutes from half time. 12-6 was the half time score.
It was an important stage of the match as Gatton did starve off Valleys raids. The second half started well for the Hawks when Joel Brett capitalised on a Dalton Desmond Walker hit up to get Gatton within two 10-12 five minutes into the second stanza.
Hugh Sedger was tremendous for the Roosters all day and scored a great individual try for Valleys to get them to 18-10.
Almost immediately, the Hawks bounced back when Luke Self strolled over to score his second try. Valleys 18-16 with 20 minutes remaining.
Valleys closed the match in the last eight minutes when incredibly they scored four tries to run away with the match 42-16. Back to back to back to back tries from Daniel Bain and Matt Moore saw Valleys secure their Grand Final berth.
It was tremendous to see Daniel Bain score late as he has been the heart and soul of Valleys these last couple of seasons. Young Matt Moore had already played in the earlier under 19 major semi-final of which was hotter than A grade.
Valleys get a chance to overturn 2023’s Grand Final loss. They deserve to be in the Grand Final, They played well when it countered. They grew through the season and delivered.
Cory McGrady was tremendous. His game management was superb as was Dwayne Duncan’s. Josh Keoller also played well and he frustrated the Hawks.
Todd White and Josh Keoller did lay the platform for the win early and their interchange players like Daniel Bain and Sam Betros helped get Roosters over the line.
Leonard Thomas was excellent for the Hawks as was Dalton Desmond Walker. The Hawks are not finished as they have been the benchmark this last period.
Gatton will play Warwick in next week’s preliminary final. Two worthy clubs who both deserve to be in the grand final.
Valleys 42 (Matt Moore two, Daniel Bain two, Barney Litidamu, Josh Keoller, Hugh Sedger tries Dwayne Duncan seven goals) defeated Gatton 16 (Luke Self two Travis Turnbull, tries Leonard Thomas two goals).
