Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller
Author : QRL Media
Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller
Townsville Blackhawks have capped off a dominant Mal Meninga Cup season (presented by Ford) with a fairy tale finish to their hard-fought grand final against Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Both teams put everything on the line in a gripping contest at Kayo Stadium but it was the Blackhawks who emerged victorious after a clutch plays from star duo Archie Mesritz and Taj Lateo.
With the score locked at 20-20 and extra time seemingly just a minute and a half away, Mesritz ignited the Blackhawks with a brilliant kick return.
The surge put the Townsville team within reach of a one-point field goal, and man of the moment Lateo stepped up with a flat strike that sailed over the cross bar with just 30 seconds remaining.
An exhausted Wynnum team slumped to their knees, but they could hold their heads high after a superb effort.
The Seagulls led 8-0 early before the Blackhawks soared back with the next 20 points.
But when Jordan Hotere crossed and Payton Gifford landed his fourth goal, it was all locked up and the Gulls were in reach of a famous victory.
It wasn’t to be though for the bayside club as the Blackhawks held their nerve to clinch a thriller.
Townsville Blackhawks 21
TRIES : Ashyr Kelso, Alekisio Siale, Taj Lateo, Taylan To’a
GOALS : Taj Lateo 2
F/GOAL : Lateo field
def
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 20
TRIES : Alastair MacLachlan, Bailen Noy, Jordan Hotere
GOALS : Payton Gifford 3
P/GOAL : Payton Gifford
Related Links
Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller
Meninga Cup grand final preview
Norway u17s defeat Montenegro match report
U16 four nations fixtures confirmed
Rare double on offer at Junior Reps Grand Final Day
Sharks Tarsha Gale win their way into the Grand Final
QLD City and Country share spoils
QRL Under 17 City and Country squads announced
European rugby league u19s championship format and fixtures announced
Around the Grounds Junior Reps Finals Week One
QRL Junior reps grand final results
A first in five years for Sea Eagles Junior Reps
USA pull out of Euro u18 champ’s
Around the Grounds Junior Reps Round Nine
Tigers seek thrilling Grand Final redemption in extra-time
Tigers create history with Andrew Johns Cup win
Northern Tigers secure maiden Lisa Fiaola Cup
Port Macquarie to host NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day
Koori Under 16s tour leaves lasting impact on Vanuatu Rugby League
Sharks Tarsha Gale win their way into the Grand Final
QLD City and Country share spoils
QRL Under 17 City and Country squads announced
European rugby league u19s championship format and fixtures announced
Around the Grounds Junior Reps Finals Week One
QRL Junior reps grand final results
A first in five years for Sea Eagles Junior Reps
USA pull out of Euro u18 champ’s
Around the Grounds Junior Reps Round Nine
Tigers seek thrilling Grand Final redemption in extra-time
Tigers create history with Andrew Johns Cup win
Northern Tigers secure maiden Lisa Fiaola Cup
Port Macquarie to host NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day
Koori Under 16s tour leaves lasting impact on Vanuatu Rugby League
International Junior Rugby League
France, England and Wales pick up wins
International Junior Rugby League
Greeca and Canada win opening shield games
International Junior Rugby League
Squads announced for Euro u19s
