The Townsville Blackhawks have fought back from 18-4 down at half time to defeat the Souths Logan Magpies 20-18 in the Cyril Connell Cup Grand Final.
Souths Logan dominated the early exchanges, their forwards rolling down the field.
The dominance lead to a try to lock David Fifita, who beat numerous defenders to score.
Prop Geordie Brand was only the field for a few moments before he extended the Magpies’ lead, crashing over next to the posts.
They scored again through fullback Ioane Seilui a short time later, to lead 18-0.
Some individual brilliance by Blackhawks’ captain McKenzie Baker gave Townsville some hope before the break.
A chip in chase in his own half was finished off by Mitch Fogarty, to put the Blackhawks on the board.
The second half was all Townsville, the side keeping Souths Logan scoreless.
The Magpies did themselves no favours, giving away a number of penalties.
Kade Banset crossed in the corner for Townsville, followed up quickly by a try from Isaac Locke.
Down by just four, Locke crashed over for his second to level the scores at 18.
With the seconds dying down, Townsville received a penalty from right in front, allowing Adam Cook to kick the winning goal.
Man of the Match: McKenzie Baker (Townsville)
Townsville Blackhawks 20 (Isaac Locke 2, Kade Banset, Mitch Fogarty tries; Adam Cook 2 goals) def. Souths Logan Magpies 18 (Geordie Brand, David Fifita, Ioane Seilui tries; Ioane Seilui 2, Jack Rowles 1 goal) at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park.
18TH MAN 