The Valleys Diehards were too strong for the Normanby Hounds this past weekend, winning 44-22 in front of their home crowd.
It was the Diehards last home game for the season, but their determination was impressive and they put on a great defensive performance to ensure they earned themselves the two points.
“Our first half was really good, the defence and attack could not be faulted,” Diehards coach Don Gailer said.
“Normanby threw everything at us in the second half, but we just kicked into gear and made sure we won. This game was like a mini grand final, whoever lost was going to be out.”
The Diehards out on a gutsy performance, but their coach Gailer has been impressed with his side’s attitude and mental toughness.
“I have been happy with the guys all year and I cannot fault the effort and attitude of the boys,” Gailer said.
“The boys’ attitude has been sensational all year and I was happy for them to get rewarded for all their hard work and effort. They always give it their best shot every week and I cannot fault them.”
The Diehards halfback James Olds, who converted from rugby union, scored four tries and centre Zac Lister scored two tries and Gailer was not only pleased with these two players, but his entire team.
“When you put yourself in a good position, good things will come to you and they definitely came to James,” Gailer said.
“Zac had a late start when he had a terrible season. He has only been back for three weeks and he is looking better each week as his confidence grows.
“We are one of the smallest teams in the competition, but the boys go out and give it a go every week.
“There is a chance we may not get in the semi-finals, but the boys still give it a good shot and I cannot knock them for that.”
After the win this weekend, the Diehards are just two points behind the sixth-placed Gaters and will be aiming for back to back wins this weekend.
The Diehards will have a tough game when they take on the second-placed and in-form Wynnum Manly Redland City Seagulls.
“We were in a position last time we played the Seagulls to win, but now we have grown more as a team as the season has gone,” Gailer said.
“Earlier in the year we may have not been able to put on a performance like we did against Normanby but we have turned it around and we will give it a good shot this weekend.
“We have to win at least two of our last three to have a chance of getting in the semis and we will be preparing as if it’s a do or die game and if the ball bounces evenly you may never know.”
As Round 15 comes to an end, the West Brisbane Panthers won on forfeit over Carina and the Gaters beat the Easts Tigers 36-26, bringing the Saturday games to an end.
Sunday saw the Redcliffe Dolphins proving too strong for the Logan Brothers to remain in top spot on the ladder and the Seagulls came out on top over the Ipswich Jets 26-20 to remain in second spot to complete the round.
