Langer Cup 2021: Who won today’s play-offs

The Langer Cup 2021: Who won this afternoon’s two playoff matches?

Two workhorse bookends ploughed through the turf at Wynnum Manly juniors this afternoon to help deliver Redcliffe SHS into the Langer Cup playoff decider against Mabel Park SHS.

Redcliffe SHS overcame Alexandra Hills 24-10 while Mabel Park SHS survived a big scare to finish ahead of Forest Lake SHS 26-20 at Carina Leagues.

The result means Redcliffe and Mabel will play off on Wednesday at Carina (3pm) for the right to enter the Langer Cup.

Mabel SHS got home over Forest Lake SHS.

This season the Langer Cup has been expanded from six to eight teams, with Coombabah SHS automatically joining incumbent schools Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Keebra Park SHS, Marsden SHS, Wavell SHS, St Mary’s College Toowoomba and Ipswich SHS in expanded competition.

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At Wynnum, Redcliffe SHS props Sefo Faotuono and Matthew Bennett resembled a couple of Clydesdales as they relentlessly worked away, almost without a break.

Off the back of them hooker Jack Cameron brought his forwards onto the ball resulting in Redcliffe capturing momentum.

Matthew Bennett and Kiahl Moore

In defence Bennett, Sefo, No. 13 Kiahl Moore and Braith Major hit hard and often as Redcliffe SHS tried to prevent Alexandra Hills SHS from an up-tempo game.

Bennett was no one trick pony. He was also multiskilled, once finding touch from the kick-off to win ball for his side that directly lead to Jonathan Maller scoring.

On another occasion Bennett unloaded in a tackle, almost creating a try.

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Redclife started the better of the two teams, racing to a 16-nil lead.

Sefo crashed over early, fullback Tyler Fishlock nailed a try off a Jack Soko pass after Alex failed to defuse a bomb. Following those tries, No.12 Jacob Taulani stepped over after a nice change of pace and change of direction close to the line.

Alexandra Hills were given hope on the eve of halftime when Kyler Preroma dived over, reducing the score to 16-4.

Alex were also the first team to score in the second half when the impressive Zyroam Herlihy scorched over after chasing a grubber kick from a set play following a scrum win.

But the better side, Redcliffe SHS, won.

“They were a bit too strong and powerful for us, and executed better. They deserved it,’’ said Alexandra Hills SHS coach Shaun McRae.

“But I was really proud of our effort and I think our boys will learn a lot. I could not have asked for too much more.’’

Redcliffe SHS celebrate winning the semi-final.

Redcliffe coach Scott Murray agreed his front row and forwards did the job. “That is our strength. We have some good young kids in those positions.

“So we play to our strengths and obviously toward the back end we were able to capitalise on the good work they had done.’’

“Defensively we were strong and worked well.’’

Mabel SHS listen to coachLee Addison.

At Carina, Mabel Park SHS coach Lee Addison watched his side lead 20-4, then almost lose the game.’’

“We played with toughness, we dug in when it got a bit difficult, we got better as the game went on. But we just gave the opposition too many opportunities to get back into the game and if we don’t learn that by next week against Redcliffe, Redcliffe will walk all over us.’’

Addison praised fullback Mustafa Kaya, who is doing Ramadan, and said his talk in defence helped get his team home.

Forest Lake SHS coach Billy Vine also had high praise for his squad, which almost saw fullback Denzal Samoa get his side over the line.

“I am very proud. To fall six points short against a pretty well drilled footy side, I am pretty proud.’’

He also Boston was elite at the ruck for Forest Lake.