Rising stars on display: Cutter‘s junior teams impress in Q Cup home debut at BB Print Stadium
With two wins and a draw the cutter‘s junior teams shone in their home debut, delivering exciting performances that highlighted the region’s young talent at BB Print Stadium.
Mackay
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It was a thrilling display at BB Print Stadium as all three Cutter‘s junior sides played at home for the first time this season.
The games had everything, including some outstanding individual performances across the board in what was a true highlight of junior talent in the region.
Cyril Connell Challenge: Mackay Cutters 34 Defeat Northern Pride 4
Mark Morrow cemented his status as the player to watch in the Cyril Connell Challenge as the Mackay Cutters dominated Northern Pride 34-4.
The Cutters were quick to make their mark on the game, with Declan Grady scoring in the first minute. The Pride tried to mount a response, but the Cutters’ defence proved too tough to break through.
Camden Hopes then scored in the 12th minute, followed by Toby Woodall in the 22nd minute, further extending the Cutters’ lead.
The Pride finally managed to get some points on the board in the 34th minute with a try from Elsiyah Laumatia, but it proved to be just a consolation as the Cutters continued to dominate proceedings.
Mark Morrow was the star of the show for the Cutters, scoring three tries in the space of just 12 minutes – in the 31st, 39th, and 43rd minutes respectively – to put the game well out of reach for the Pride.
But Morrow‘s contribution to the Cutters’ win was not limited to his four-pointers.
He was also heavily involved in the team’s attacking play, setting up several opportunities with his clever passing and dynamic running.
His ability to read the game and make the right decisions under pressure was also a major factor in the Cutters’ success.
Lachlan Starr then rounded off the scoring for the Cutters in the 51st minute, capping off a fantastic afternoon for the home team.
The Cutters’ attacking prowess and unrelenting defence proved too much for the Pride to handle, and the scoreline was a fair reflection of the gulf in quality between the two sides.
The Cutters’ win was a real team effort, but there is no doubt that Morrow’s performance was the standout feature of the game.
He is a player with a bright future ahead of him, and his impressive display against the Pride has shown that he has what it takes to make it to the top of the sport.
As for the Pride, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek to bounce back from this heavy defeat.
Mal Meninga Cup | Mackay Cutters 26 DRAW Northern Pride 26
FANS were kept on the edge of their seats as the Cutters and Pride played out a thrilling 26-all draw.
The Cutters got off to a quick start, with Jaxon Purdue scoring in the 9th minute to give the home team an early lead.
However, the Pride quickly responded with three quickfire tries from Tesharne Kapigeno, Cain Hastie, and Tait Coghlan to take control of the game.
The Cutters refused to give up and fought their way back into the match with tries from Balin Burnett and Tenzin Contor, to reduce the Pride’s lead to just two points – 16-14 - at halftime.
The second half was just as intense, with both teams trading blows in a bid to gain the upper hand.
Kai Simon scored for the Cutters in the 43rd minute, but once again the Pride responded through Kapigeno to tie the game up at 22-22.
Burnett then scored his second try of the game in the 56th minute to give the Cutters the lead, but the Pride were not done yet.
Hulking prop Jason Hallie scored for the visitors in the 68th minute to tie the game up once again, and neither team was able to find a winner in the final moments of the match.
The draw was a fair result in a game that was incredibly evenly matched. Both teams put in a tremendous effort and showed why they are among the best in the league.
Harvey Norman Under 19’s | Mackay Cutters 38 Defeat Northern Pride 0
The Cutters have continued their impressive form in the Women‘s Under 19 competition, producing a commanding display to defeat a lacklustre Northern Pride 38-0.
The Cutters were in complete control from the outset, and they never relented, running in seven tries to nil to complete a dominant victory.
The highlight of the game came in the second half when the Cutters scored a spectacular try that showcased their attacking prowess and skill.
It was Lily Peacock, last season‘s “player’s player,” who led by example and provided the inspiration for the team.
Peacock’s leadership was instrumental in the Cutters’ success, and her experience and ability to inspire her teammates were evident throughout the game.
She dominated, making strong tackles and carrying the ball with purpose, and her influence on the game was undeniable.
The Cutters‘ attacking play was also exceptional, with their quick passes and excellent support play leading to some impressive tries.
Gracie Watt opened the scoring in the first minute, followed by Mersades Lawson, Jennifer Kimber, Shaylee Hazledine, Paityne Johns, and Ciara Thomson, who all scored to complete the Cutters’ comprehensive victory.
The Cutters’ defence was particularly impressive, with the Pride unable to break through their solid line.
The team’s defensive structure was excellent, and they were able to repel any attacking moves from the Pride.
It was a dominant display by the Cutters, and they will be a team to watch in the Women‘s Under 19 competition with Lily Peacock leading from the front.
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