‘Everyone worked their backside off’: Capras’ captain on team’s win over Mackay

Capras teams win three of four games at home, with their women moving into top spot on the BMD Premiership ladder. Here’s how it all unfolded.

Winger Brandon Roberts scored a hat-trick as the CQ Capras made it four straight wins in the Hostplus Cup.

They produced another gritty performance, coming from two points down at half-time to beat the Mackay Cutters 26-18 in the Rivalry Round clash at Browne Park.

It was a good day for the Capras, whose teams won three from four at home on Saturday.

The women continued on their winning way as well, moving into top spot on the BMP Premiership ladder courtesy of a 26-16 win over the Souths Logan Magpies.

The under-21s scored four second-half tries to beat Mackay 26-12 in the Hastings Deering Colts, while the under-18s showed plenty of fight in their 12-point loss to the Townsville Blackhawks in the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup.

Roberts was dynamic for the men, scoring the team’s first and last tries and one in between as the Capras extended their winning streak.

Skipper Jack Madden said it was great to get the competition points in the seesawing contest.

“It was back and forth on the scoreboard and we made it hard on ourselves with dropped ball and penalties,” he said.

“But we found a way to win again. Everyone worked their backsides off and it was good to win the way we did.”

Madden said the Capras forwards were outstanding, led by lock Jamie Hill who topped the run metres with 213, and second rower Ethan O’Neill who topped the team’s tackle count with 29.

“Our forwards were really good defensively,” Madden said.

“They were nice and physical and they definitely won the battle.

“We can’t do anything without those boys doing their job, and that got us over the line in the end.”

Madden said there was a great feeling within the group.

“Everyone wants to work hard for one another, and there’s a a real willingness to win,” he said.

“A lot of our boys have played 15 to 20 Q-Cup games now so they’re not overawed by it all.

“We’ve also learned some important lessons from previous seasons, especially last year when we were losing those close games.

“We’re obviously very happy and really excited but we understand there’s a long way to go yet.”