HAWKS ON A ROLL
HELENSVALE skip Brett Wilkie has hailed the Hawks’ unrivalled team spirit after they stormed to a record eighth Premier League Queensland crown yesterday.
Already the most successful Premier Grade side in the competition’s 19-year history, the Hawks continued their domination with a 61-54 triumph over Kawana in the grand final.
They led for much of the decider thanks to skip wins for Wilkie (21-19 over Richard Strawbridge) and Aron Sheriff (22-17 over Kurt Brown), but were forced to endure some nervous final moments as Nathan Rice fell 19-18 to the Thunder’s Joel Andersen.
Wilkie, who joined Helensvale in 2002, said team camaraderie had been instrumental as the Hawks fought to avenge last year’s grand final loss to Broadbeach.
“One of the strengths of our club is that all our players get on really well, on and off the green, and enjoy each other’s company and have a good team spirit,” the 43year-old told the Bulletin.
“I think (grand final wins) are all pretty special. The club’s had a great history in the event and it was good to get another title.
“It’s just great playing with 12 good friends that get on. To finish off with a win is great.
“It got a bit tight there at one stage and the game was in the balance. We hung in there and had a bit of a lead most of the game but they came back and they got within three at one stage. We played well right to the end.
“It’s always a hard title to win and we’ve got to regroup and try to build on that. We’ll be in there swinging trying to win it again next year.”
Broadbeach’s title defence came to an end on Saturday with a 56-51 loss to Hamilton in the elimination final, with Helensvale downing Kawana (72-28) and Pine Rivers (63-43) to book their spot in the decider.
However, the Bulls’ pain was eased with an 84-69 victory over Enoggera in the A Grade grand final.