Sport
2 August, 2023
Hawks beat Bears again
Gatton defeated Oakey in the women’s premiership, but stand-in Bears coach Herman Ene-Purcell says “we’ll beat them in the Grand Final”.
Oakey Bears may not have beaten Gatton yet, but they again showed they can match it with the best in this year’s competition.
Stand-in coach Herman Ene-Purcell said his side missed his Brisbane players, when it mattered, but that the team would be back when it really counted.
Having lost the Presidents Cup Grand Final at Clive Berghofer Stadium by the same margin, Oakey again pushed the Gatton Hawks all the way in what Bears fans will be hoping is a Grand Final preview.
Around fifty Oakey supporters made the trip down the range to watch the match and were rewarded with an enthralling contest.
The Bears suffered several injuries, much to the ire of Hawks fans who thought they were wasting time.
The game was played in a great spirit and both teams posed for a photo afterwards.
REPORT
Women’s Open
Gatton 14 def. Oakey 12
The teams continued their rivalry with the Bears just short again of a win over Gatton, but it was a tremendous match.
Oakey got the better of Gatton in the first half leading 6-0 at the break.
Emily Young and Ricky-Lee Boney started the resurgence with Boney putting Courtney Robinson over in the 38th minute. (6-6).
Karly Mitchell scored out wide for the Hawks in the 45th minute to grab the lead for the first time in the match (10-6).
Kylie and Clarrisa Janes were very good for the Bears as was Mireka and Erikana Dean.
Erikana Dean got the lead back for Oakey when she scored a good individual try (12-10) with nine minutes remaining.
Then Kim Dore, with five minutes remaining broke the Oakey line 30 metres out then good hands out the back line for Nat Webb to score out wide for Gatton to regain the lead (14-12).
The Hawks prevailed to take out the match.
The two sides will certainly figure in the final series and if the finals are anything like their three contests during 2023, we are in for one hell of a time come September.
Stand-in coach Herman Ene-Purcell said he was very proud of the girls’ efforts.
“The last 20 minutes we had one left on our bench,” he said.
“Missing a few of our Brissy girls today too.
“It’s all good - we’ll beat them in the grand final when it matters.
“Rissa rolled her ankle
“Jana Wing got a head clash.
“Too stubborn to come back on.
“I think the whole team played pretty well.
“Our defence kept us in the game.
“Unfortunately, there had to be a loser and that was us today.”
Newtown may also have something to say in the same period.
All shapes up for a wonderful womens premiership tussle.
- Andrew O’Brien and Max Mayer
Men’s A Grade
Gatton 66 def Oakey 4
Gatton Hawks improved their crucial, for and against points to remain firmly entrenched in the top two of the Toowoomba A Grade competition.
They defeated Oakey 66-4 in a dominant display at Cahill Park.
Captain Haydan Lipp had the ball on a string.
He set up four pointers all night and grabbed one himself in a polished performance.
His backline relished the service from Lipp with Tyrell Woodley scoring a hat trick as did Nick Short and winger Bailey Williams scoring a double in the 12 try romp.
Oakey toiled away but was up against a pretty good side and at home.
Captain AJ Chong grabbed a four pointer for his side in the second half.
Gatton travels to Clifton next week in a crucial clash against the Warriors then face Brothers and Dalby, whilst Oakey has Goondiwindi, Valleys and Highfields to finish off their season.
- Andrew O’Brien
Reserve Grade
Gatton 54 def Oakey 16
Under 19s
Gatton won on a forfeit by Oakey.
