Despite getting within touching distance in the final minutes, the Ozlav Plumbing Gatton Hawks could not run-down rivals, the Dalby Diehards.

The Hawks were looking to continue their season of success after winning the TRL President’s Cup earlier this year.

However, they left themselves with too much to do in the second half, with two Diehards goals killing their chances.

James Schroeder was again fantastic for the Gatton side while fullback Peter Thode was also a consistent performer.

Gatton got off to a quick start taking a 4-nil lead within the opening four minutes on the back of a try from Gary Everuss.

A try from Dalby equalled the score at 4-all.

Gatton and Dalby both exchanged tries before the half-time break with Dalby leading Gatton 16-12.

The Hawks were the first to put points on the board in the second half, through a try from Todd Godwin and conversion from Gary Everuss to take Gatton to the lead 18-16.

With eight minutes to go in the game, Dalby snatched the win from the TRL Minor Premiers going over for a further touchdown and goal to determine the full time score, Dalby 22-18.

Despite the loss coach Andrew Schmidt had a positive outlook on the result.

“There were some good signs for us through each half,” he said. “With a couple of our boys with niggling injuries, they did well to pull this finish.”

Schmidt said it was a real contest.

“Dalby was the best of the day and good luck to them in the grand finale,” he said.

“Obviously we are not happy with the loss, but we were satisfied with the effort.”

Gatton’s Reserve side advanced to the grand final last week after their 28-16 win against Dalby. They will feature in the TRL Grand Final this Sunday at Clive Berghofer Stadium from 1pm.

The club is inviting expressions of interest for the positions of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and registrar for 2018. Please forward to President Doug Beahan at doug.beahan@gmail.com. All members are invited to the AGM on Tuesday, October 31, from 7pm at Cahill Park Sports Complex.

State of Play

Second Division: Dalby 22 defeated Gatton 18 (Gary Everuss, Todd Godwin, Luke Morrison, Frank Green tries; Gary Everuss goal).