Hawks through in a thriller
Sandgate have advanced to the SEQAFL U18 Division 1 Cup Grand Final after defeating Western Magpies in a heart stopper at Sir Bruce Small Park.
Both teams knew what was at stake when they took the field in picture perfect conditions and the resulting game with many twists and turns didn’t disappoint.
As they did last week, Sandgate started out of the blocks slowly on the scoreboard with inaccuracy again hurting them.
The first quarter saw the Magpies go into the break with an 8-point lead kicking very straight compared to their counterparts.
The second term saw a great defensive effort from the Magpies with the Hawks only able to trouble the scoreboard attendant with a solitary behind.
The Magpies kicked with great accuracy, booting another 3-goals to go in into half-time with a handy 27-point lead.
Brett ‘Snowy’ Ayton’s charges came out after the long break a completely different team , The hawks holding the magpies to a single point for the quarter while banging on 4 goals three themselves. This then set up a tantalising final quarter with the difference only being a single behind.
In the last quarter the play opened up with players starting to tire under the unrelenting sun. The ball continued to go back and forth with neither side able to dominate play or possession.
In the last few minutes of the game Sandgate seemed to have the edge banging on 2-goals in a row to be 6-points clear at the final Siren.
Best afield for Sandgate was Giles, Dickfos and Conway, with goals being shared amongst an even spread of players.
The Magpies will be happy with the work rate of Yeates, Wilson and Allen, with their goals also coming from a number of players.
The Hawks now go onto a replay of the second semi-final with the Maroochydore Roos.
Check back on Friday for the Grand Final preview.
