It was the perfect start to the season for the Valleys Diehards who were celebrating their Ross Strudwick Heritage round, after producing a great come-from-behind win to beat the reigning premiers the Redcliffe Dolphins 30-28.
Coach Don Gailer said he was pleased with how his players kept plugging away and were rewarded for their hard work.
“They had confidence in each other and displayed a great example of the club spirit,” Gailer said.
“Redcliffe are a big physical side, but the boys put their bodies on the line and hung in there to get the win.”
Gailer thought the side was well led by captain Liam Herrington, but he could not single out a player that contributed most to their victory.
“The whole 17 boys made a big impact, the players coming off the bench did what they needed to, to have an influence,” he said.
The Diehards were down 22-6 just before halftime, but momentum shifted in their favour and they were able to carry that though to help them secure their victory.
“There are so many games decided just before halftime; we focused on getting the little things right which I was pleased with,” Gailer said.
It was a big day for the Diehards both on and off the field, with the True Blue Legends of the club getting named.
Former greats as “The King” Wally Lewis, all met the current junior and senior players and celebrated all things Valleys.
“The junior players got to see the spirt of the club and the never give up attitude. You could not have scripted a better result,” Gailer said.
With Round 1 now completed, the Diehards will next prepare for another tough game against Wynnum Manly Seagulls next weekend.
“We got our work cut out for us again,” Gailer said. “We got through week one, we just have to get through to week 18.”
BRL A Grade “In Safe Hands” Round 1 results
March 18, 2017
Wynnum Manly 44 (Benaiah Bowie, Tumoana Halkyard, Paora Kemp, Ben Cronin, Brad Mana, Max Elliott, Jake Hargraves, Andrew Clayton tries; Matt Seamark 6 goals) def Logan Brothers 10 (Kieran Batterlry, Jordan Scott tries; Cameron Boga goal).
Valleys Diehards 30 (Jon Collins, Usaia O’Sullivan, Aaron Clode, Liam Herrington, Paul Ivan tries; Joe Bond 5 goals) def Redcliffe Dolphins 28 (Tyson Gamble 2, Curtis Johnson, Kyle Van Klaveren, Josh Rudolfe; Kyle Van Klaveren 4 goals).
West Brisbane Panthers 21 (Ollie Olds, Josh Afoa, Jake Kelly tries; Kane Zalewski 4 goals and a field goal) def Easts Tigers 14 (Michael Pouhlia, Brandon Downey, Kevin Bell tries; Brandon Downey goal).
