Meninga Cup, Connell Cup and Harvey girls round 3 action
What you need to know following round 3 of the Meninga Cup, Connell and Harvey U17 and U19 girls’ competitions. Full coverage here.
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There were thrills and spills aplenty in round three of Meninga Cup, Connell and Harvey Norman U17 and U19 matches today.
Read our rolling coverage below of how games were unfolding across the state this weekend.
Jump to: Burleigh v Souths Logan, Pride v Cutters, Blackhawks v Capras, Dolphins v Tigers, Devils v Wynnum Manly, Tweed v Falcons, Jets v Clydesdales.
BEARS v SOUTHS LOGAN
Connell Cup
The Bears were purring to start the Connell Cup Season after bringing up their second straight win in commanding fashion over Souths Logan.
Burleigh enjoyed a wire-to-wire, 30-14 victory over the Magpies and took control of the match instantly when athletic right centre Israel Lotaki bounded over.
Then, in the blink of an eye, influential playmaker Harvey Smith was going in for a try of his own. The home side, boosted by Tupou Francis and edge forwards Simione Tauelangi and Treleque Boyce-Silimaka, never looked back.
Centre Kingston Seve and winger Xhai Waerea also scored important tries to keep the Magpies at bay.
On the other side of the ball, Burleigh showed their class conceding just one try in the first 50 minutes.
Big men Lennox Whaiapu, Tyrell Schwenke and an army of amped-up outside backs provided great deterrence when the Magpies moved within striking distance near the Burleigh tryline.
For Souths Logan, Harry Taylor and Tomo Cook were comfortably the Magpies’ best players.
TAYLOR’S TOUCH
The performance from Souths Logan halfback Harrison Taylor was a bright spot for the visitors with his crisp passing and deft attacking kicks leading to two of his team’s tries.
He wasn’t far off setting up a third when right wing Malakaih Beals almost plucked and planted a pin point cross field kick of his in the second half.
Before this, Taylor had put Beals over the stripe with a telling cut out pass and approaching full time his smart chip kick over the Burleigh defence landed perfectly for centre Tomu Cook.
Burleigh responded in fine fashion on the cusp of full time when cheeky rake Axel Friend scored his second try in as many weeks when he burrow over from the ruck base before Cook burrowed his way over moments later for his double.
It was a convincing victory from the home side.
Meninga Cup
The bruising Bears bulldozed their way back into the winners circle after last week’s 28-all draw against Norths with a comprehensive display against Souths Logan.
Burleigh won 34-12 and never trailed as left edge battleship Kilarney Lavender, gutsy right wing Jesse Rafferty and New Zealand newcomer Antonio Verhoeven each scored doubles to put a canyon between the sides.
Lavender, a Dolphins signed second row prospect still in Year 12 at TSS, scored the first and sixth try for the home side and in between was a ball running brute who ate up valuable post contact metres.
Outside of Lavender’s power game, Burleigh found great success in the outside back division where the towering Verhoeven and Rafferty added the finishing touches to snare an unassailable 20-6 half time lead.
RIGHT EDGE RAMPAGE ENDS IN RAFFERTY DOUBLE
Burleigh fed off fast ‘play the balls’ and momentum to head into the break ahead by 14 points. Prop Marley Igasan, fast-footed forward Jett Bryce and the calm and collected Anton Whaiapu were faultless.
The speedy Burleigh backs were beneficiaries of their ferocious forwards and with Marley McLaren and Dallas Ingram pulling the strings in the halves, there was of course a dazzling short ball or two which unleashed that firepower embedded in the backline.
Saxon Innes and Disharne Tonihi, who scored the final try of the game, combined wonderfully to put Verhoeven over for his first try in the 18th minute.
10 minutes into the second half, Verhoeven had his second when Ingram held up a pass and sent him surging through a hole.
Rafferty also made an impact when he scored after a fine flick pass by Innes opened things up for him. Then, with defenders draped over him, Rafferty did very well to plant the ball down in the right corner just shy of half time.
Rafferty’s second try came just after Magpies five-eight Tom Parker pulled off a stunning try saving tackle on runaway winger Tonihi - not the easiest player to run down.
Earlier, Parker’s support running earnt the team’s first try after Keebra Park duo David Bryenton and Joey Tupuse split open Burleigh’s defence.
SUPERB SOLIEN
It was a game where the Magpies were cruelled by their own errors and the rub of the green just not going their way.
Standing tall under pressure and exhaustion, again, was No. 13 Jayden Solien. A Mr Fix It, Solien played as dummyhalf for a good stint while also being a typical link man No.13 who defended doggedly.
Fullback Bryenton was heavily involved, injecting himself as a third playmaker behind Parker and tactical kicking ace Jackson Howe.
Howe’s captaincy and leadership ensured the Magpies stayed intact with the Bears. With just under 13 minutes to play his side trailed 24-12 and were gearing up to go out with a bang.
That was when Lavender barged over under the sticks to put the game out of reach.
Harvey 19s
The Souths Logan Magpies moved swiftly to take the game away from Burleigh and win 26-12.
The Magpies never trailed and when the game hung in the balance in the second half, Hawke Kahu scored a brilliant try to put more than a crevasse between the sides.
Kahu’s try was timely, but it was Bella Alo’s try on the cusp of half time that will have the Magpies girls cheering and chatting in the sheds.
Souths Logan led 4-0 when a deft Dakotah Brady-Heaslop grubber kick rolled toward the dead ball line, only for a diving Alo to plant it down just shy of the line.
It was magic.
The visitors led 10-0 entering the second half and grinded out another impressive 30 minutes of play to leave Pizzey Park victors.
THE FORM FULLBACK
Slippery fullback Bella Thompson was up to her usual tricks again for the Bears.
With key playmaker Zali Bettridge out, Burleigh looked to Nadia Windleborn to play halfback and she did a great job.
At fullback, Thompson offered the same plus more on her way to scoring a terrific double delight of tries.
A defensive workhorse, Thompson propelled through the line to score a 80m stunner nearing full-time.
Earlier, she sliced through the defence to score Burleigh’s first try which came at the perfect time when her team just had to be the ones to strike first in the second half.
MAGPIES SWOOP IN QUICK SUCCESSION
The visitors scored three tries within eight minutes midway through the second half to run away with it.
Kahu and field general Danielle-Elizabeth Tutakangahau were decisive going themselves before a slick backline movement finished in the hands of Seini Piutau who scored the third.
The Magpies led 26-6 and that was game.
Harvey U17s
Centre ace Afeena Faamafu scored two tries as the Magpies soared to a 36-6 win over Burleigh this afternoon.
The Souths Logan outfit turned a close first half into a comfortable win, finding five tries in the second half.
“We made inroads and capitalised on their mistakes,’’ said Souths Logan coach Matt Fitzgerald.
He said it was pleasing to have a win entering a bye weekend for his side.
Mamele Misa was tremendous for Souths Logan, while Marmie Nati had a big match as well.
Burleigh’s depth was tested. The Bears had the misfortune of losing fullback Jae Jae in the first half which was a big blow - on top of losing six other players from its round 2 clash during the week.
Powerhouse middle forward for Burleigh, prop Olivia Filikitona, was arguably among her best, while Waipari Leef, Sharleen Kawana and Genesis Tupa’i also rose to the occasion on a tough day at the office for the Bears.
PRIDE v CUTTERS
Harvey Norman U17s
The Cutters forwards paved the way for their team’s 16-10 win in a tremendous match played under beautiful summer sun.
Mackay had to fight hard as the Pride refused to go away after trailing 10-nil into the second half.
It took a late try by Cutters’ prop Sienna Wright to wrap up the match later in the game.
Mackey opened the scoring in the first half when hooker Ella Duncan produced a switch ball next to the ruck which opened up a channel for Cianna Faulkner to score.
Both team’s traded blows for the rest of the match before Jen Kimber’s crucial second half try extended the lead to 10-nil.
Pride had nearly scored minutes earlier when forward Arianna Martin Peterson turned into a circus juggler close to the line after Aydah Ross-Kelly and Nelly Robertson had switched the direction of the attack.
For the Cutters prop Sienna Wright and second rower Trinity White played well in a high standard game, while Pride’s edge players, second rowers Ciarn MacBride and Elishama Suavai (captain) again were inspiring, while centre Alyssa Ale again did well.
BIG MOMENT
Jen Kimber scored the try, but full marks to the Cutters’ forwards who rolled up the field to put their fullback ace onto the front foot.
Seepa Kosetatino-Liufau, then Cassidy Borg and Trinity White rolled ahead, with White’s quick play the ball handing hooker Duncan and her half Ruby Watt front foot possession which Kimber ran off to score out wide.
PRIDE INSPIRATION
Northern Pride displayed tremendous fight to swing a 10-nil deficit into a 10-4 thriller after Aydah Ross-Kelly scored a brilliant solo try from the base of a scrum.
She crabbed 15m across the field before hurtling his body over to score. It was an inspiring moment for her teammates.
Connell Cup
Northern Pride hung on in a thriller to beat Cutters 20-16.
A late try to Grange Womal and a conversion from Adam McSherry placed the Cutters within striking distance before time ran out.
The stage was set for a thrilling finale after Mackay forward Jake Peters produced a pass which opened up a chance for Womal.
But Pride led all day, and deserved the win.
Pride started the ball rolling with a barge over try when Jake Russo powered his way over beneath the props, defying a sea of bodies from Cutters.
Into the second half and Pride again scored a close to the line try, with hooker Solomon Stewart burrowing his way over to extend their side to 12-4.
In the middle of those tries, the flying feet of Cutters winger Grange Womal had scored a try off the back of his blinding acceleration.
Rocco Pensini and Cooper Lawson did well in their first game for Pride, making a difference off the bench for Pride, while prop Jake Russo led from the front.
Cutters coach Brett Watton lamented poor discipline and handling errors which
“cost us’’.
“Each time we put ourselves on the front foot we did not execute,’’ the coach said.
Adam McSherry played well in a new role of lock, while Oscar Bishop brought life to the middle third for Cutters while Lachlan Brown was safe at the back.
McSHERRY’S POSITIONAL SWITCH
A star fullback last season, McSherry played No. 13 well in a losing effort. “Adam has been training there in the last few weeks, he definitely helped straighten the attack and give us some options around the ruck. But we did not finish them off.’’
THREADING THE NEEDLE
Mackay halves Grange Womal and Thomas Bassett both produced wonderful grubber kicks to generate tries for their side.
In the first half Womal rolled the dice, kicking deep into the left hand corner, so deep that it was in danger of going dead – until winger Calvin Ramos sprinted through to ground the ball.
It was a perfect kick by Womal, the Cutters’ No. 7 who later scored a try which cut the deficit to 12-8 with six minutes remaining after a wonderful pass in contact by the versatile Adam McSherry.
Then in the second half big prop Preston Lee Long followed through a kick by his five-eight, Tyler Addo, to score.
Harvey 19s
Mackay produced an outstanding second half to pull away from the Pride on the way to a 24-4 win.
Pride had closed the gap to less than a converted try after Jordana Woods had crossed.
But forward leader Ella Cronin-Flanagan scored, quickly followed by Maddison Simon which put some real estate between the Cutters and their rivals.
A late try from Mele Tupou then blew out the score.
While the Cutters won well, the game was closer than the score indicates.
Meninga Cup
Cutters pulled away from Northern Pride, rushing in four late tries to claim a 40-12 win in the far north.
Mackay ran in seven tries, but the win took some effort after Pride had closed the gap to just 16-10 when fullback D’Artanyan Connolly scored a wonderful try from a scrum move down a wide blindside.
Outstanding winger Toby Woodall started the ball rolling for his side when he launched onto a tremendous cut out pass by his halfback Nikolaus Djukic.
With his centre partner Flynn Battaia wearing his kicking boots with five conversions, Mackay’s Rylan Misztela also scored 10 points - from two tries. The regular centre was actually moved to the left wing - and it worked well.
Earlier at the start of the game, Pride’s Mafiou Cherif came onto the ball like he had been fired out of a cannon to score the first try of the game.
BLACKHAWKS v CAPRAS
Meninga Cup
The CQ Capras forward pack paved the way toward conquering the Townsville Blackhawks 34-10.
CQ’s fast-paced ball transfer, tackling accuracy and eyes-up footy was what earned them a dominant win - but only after the pack went forward.
When a crafty pick and go from CQ hooker Curtis Seierup didn’t quite find the paint, lock Harrison Hill went in again and successfully claimed the first points of the day.
There were promising moments from the Blackhawk side. Capras winger Willem Lloyd looked to be heading for what seemed a certain try after a quick ball from fullback Banjo Walker, but a spectacular cover tackle from Blackhawk five-eighth Karlos Iraia took him out in the left corner.
However, Capra’s hooker Seierup bit back, trying again and this time he came up with a try.
There was encouragement for the Blackhawks when centre Heath Bethel cruised to the try line untouched, neither leaving first gear or using fullback Meshack David on his outside.
That was all the CQ side allowed them as the winners put four more tries on them before the final buzzer.
BIG HIT BOYS
Capra’s prop Jake Oberhardt proved he is one to watch again this season, putting on a brute of a display in the middle.
The workhorse was everywhere all at once, consistently putting on huge hits and driving through contact to put his teammates in position to score. His bull-like runs off the back fence certainly wouldn’t make anyone envy his defensive opposition.
While smaller in stature, centre Mason Broadhurst was one of CQ’S best defensive assets. His impeccable read of the game earned him three crunching tackles that would have likely have otherwise resulted in points to the Townsville side.
Capra’s interchange player Lachlan Middleton also made his mark off the bench, powering through contact to make multiple line breaks down the middle.
It paid off in the second half when Middleton crashed through Blackhawk defence to bag a try under the posts for the CQ side.
CHIPPING GAME
While the execution wasn’t seamless, the chip and chase game of the Capra’s earned the side two necessary tries.
To kick off the first half, CQ fullback Banjo Walker slotted a chip that went straight through the hands of Townsville fullback. It was fielded by a quick change of pace from CQ winger Willem Lloyd, who scored the try in the left corner.
Skipper Isaac Walker tried his luck later in the half, sending the ball through defence from his left foot.
It was bobbled in the hands of a Blackhawk winger and CQ centre Anasta Tamwoy wasted no time cleaning up, scooping up the errant ball to put it back down under the posts.
Harvey Norman U17s
The Maycee Brown-led CQ Capras surged to a tenacious comeback victory to steal a late win, 28-22, in a gutsy, gritty performance against the Blackhawks.
What seemed like a sure thing for the Blackhawk’s U17 side in the first half turned into an arm-wrestle in the second, with CQ prevailing after Townsville were undoubtedly the dominant side across the first half.
Blackhawks scored three tries to win in the first 15 minutes, with their hard line running and impenetrable defence forbidding the Capra’s to make it to an edge.
However, CQ turned the tide to cut the deficit to 16-14 just before halftime, and despite an early try from the Blackhawks in the second half, something was brewing in the CQ side.
Capras’ desperation was emphasised when, with 20 minutes remaining, CQ defenders Isabelle Jensen, Madeline Johnson and Paikea Tane scrambled to prevent Blackhawks’ centre Madalyn Hernandez from scoring.
“The girls’ grit and determination to hang in there and work for a win was a highlight,’’ Carpenter said.
For Capras, Maycee Brown was magnificent in a strong team performance.
Blackhawks’ coach Rebecca Petersen said despite and frustration of a close loss, she was “very happy with our progress from week to week’’.
Townsville halfback Alanieta Nauqe took control of the match for her side and played splendidly, while there was a massive effort from middle forwards Nylani Namai and Evoltia Tuala.
DEFENSIVE SCRAMBLE NOT ENOUGH
Blackhawks snuffed out multiple promising raids with scrambling defence as CQ players intensified their drive at the line.
But not even Blackhawks defensive urgency could prevent the Capra’s from closing the gap with 10 minutes remaining with fullback Kayla Vella scoring a fine individual try from a scrum win.
Vella sped through the Blackhawks midfield to plunge over next to the post, reducing the deficit to just 4 points, 22-18.
UNDERDOGS TRIUMPH
Vella’s try inspired a second wind for the CQ side, inciting two tries more in quick succession with only five minutes to go.
A bulldozing run from Capra’s prop Rachel Oakley set up hooker Josie Wogand to deliver a clean ball to powerhouse Alexis Bukowski. The second rower then burst through multiple defenders to score directly under the posts.
Capra’s new-found momentum proved fatal for the fading Blackhawks, when a late pass from CQ’s Maycee Brown to centre Charlotte McLean saw a quick ball to left winger Charlotte McLean. McLean delivered the magic moment of the game, unleashing blazing speed down the left wing, besting dangerous Blackhawks winger Matilda Richards with an inside step and charging down the sideline.
While Blachawks’ fullback Tah’ Lucy Querro produced a desperate ankle tap only five metres from the paint, McLean was there to finish what she started, scooping up the ball and forcing her way through defenders to claim the try and the game for the underdog side.
Blackhawks v Capras, Connell Cup
The Capras outclassed Townsville 24-10 in the Cyril Connell Cup with suffocating defence keeping the Blackhawks well out of the contest despite the reasonable margin which was inflated by a late try to Colin Leisha.
Besides slight lapses at the start of each half, Central Queensland’s brick wall defence was impenetrable and built the foundations of the strong win.
The Blackhawks made the most of their first attacking opportunity when right centre Trent Martin stood in the tackle and popped out a late offload which opened the space for winger Jerry Mipari to score in the corner.
But Central Queensland’s interchange forwards made a huge impact when they entered the fray with Jake Symes and Parker Hunt devastating the tired defence and causing havoc in the middle of the park.
Capras produced strongly across the team, with CQ prop Parker Gallagher, hooker Jay Marsh, interchange forward Jake Symes, halfback Michael Busby and fullback Harley Biles leading the way.
Blackhawks’ centre Trent Martin held up his side of the field for the losing team.
Cannonball strikes
Capras hit the lead when Hunt shot through the line like a cannonball, bursting into the back field and finding hooker Jay Marsh in support as he was chopped down by Blackhawks fullback Gausa Dau.
Another great support play saw Capras fullback Harley Biles cross the line untouched and the home side were left stunned after their fast start came to nothing, trailing 18-6 at the major break.
It didn’t take long for Townsville to hit back in the second half as Martin took the ball deep into the line and passed to Mipari to streak away for his second try. Mipari had plenty of work to do but steamrolled the fullback to crash over.
But that proved to be Townsville’s final try as strong defence kept them scoreless for the next 30 minutes, with Leisha’s late try sealing the result.
Capras fullback Biles and halfback Michael Busby were both great in attack with expert pass selection and execution.
Blackhawks v Capras, Harvey U19s
The U19 Blackhawks came out on top of the CQ Capra’s in a physical game characterised by big hits, gutsy runs and pure grit, besting the visitors 28-14.
The defensive efforts were immense throughout the game, with both sides showcasing a formidable defensive line and undying tenacity.
It ultimately came down to the ability to hold on. When the Capra’s side started to tire in the second half, the Blackhawks went up another gear.
While the Capra’s managed to get points on the board through fullback Caydence Fouracre, the potent influence of Blackhawks centre Lorianna Eseli, prop Easther Mikaele and second rower Jakaia Collett proved all too powerful for the Capra’s in the second half. They helped push what was a four-point lead at half time to 14 point advantage at the final whistle.
Second rower Collett and No. 13 Adele Jensen were best of the Blackhawks.
ESELI AND COLLETT SHINE
The brute force and footy smarts of Townsville pair Eseli and Collett were invaluable to the Blackhawks’ side, with both players claiming two well-earned tries a piece.
Eseli scored the first points of the game after 10 minutes of ferocious back and forth, running a hard line to barrel through Capra’s defensive seam and find the paint.
She wasn’t to be stopped during one second half raid, fending off two defenders from a scrum win to score under the posts. That try pushed the lead 14-6 to the Townsville outfit.
Second rower Collett was equally impressive, blasting through four defenders to score.
She hedged her bets again 10 minutes later, running straight at four defenders and coming off on top, claiming another yet another try.
FOURACRE HAS FLAIR
Despite her team’s loss, Capra’s swift footed fullback Caydence Fouracre deserved high praise for her outstanding attacking presence created by her incredible footwork.
Fouracre was a menace to defend for the Townsville side, putting on a stepping masterclass with every touch to the ball.
Her first incredible individual try was outshone by her second, where she expertly delivered a perfect chip and chase under pressure, slicing the ball through the defence and scooping it back up to score in the last minute of the game.
She was her team’s best.
Only moments beforehand, she drew in two defenders on the right wing and sent a beautiful ball to winger Teleah Cassar to score.
DOLPHINS v TIGERS
Harvey Norman U17S
Just pure strength. That best describes the Tigers’ 28-6 win over Redcliffe after the girls from Langlands Park powered their way over the top of gutsy rivals.
The Tigers’ forwards simply could not be contained for all of the match, and although the Dolphins did well to hold them for long periods, eventually the Tigers’ forwards had their way with their plucky rivals.
The opening try scored by prop Carayanidis Ta’Akimoeaka-Pulu said it all.
The Tigers were just too big and strong close to the line, with Ta’Akimoeaka-Pulu seemingly held by three defenders, yet still wriggling free to fall over the line and score.
Appropriately the match ended with No. 13 ace Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell passing to her power prop Te Ahurei Latu who scored. That said it all about the Tigers’ forward power.
Henry-Purcell was outstanding, prop Ta’Akimoeaka-Pulu was mighty and hooker Enah Desic was great behind her pack with her control.
There was plenty to like about Redcliffe, with No. 14 Ellie Walker, winger Marlie Lewis and fullback Nati shining brightest.
TIGERS POWER GAME
It was the Tigers’ power game which led to tries through the game, including in the first half when Charity Faalogo was a central figure.
Both her and lock Henry-Purcell crashed their way ahead, and as a result hooker Desic was able to dive over against a disrupted Redcliffe defensive line.
Then into the second half and prop Latu returned with fresh legs to dent the Redcliffe line, dropping to the ground over the line to score. Down 16-nil, there was no way back for Redcliffe.
Redcliffe did well for so much of the game – it is just when it counted the Tigers could find the white painting line alongside the goalposts.
HIGHLIGHT REEL MOMENT
Her side may have lost, but Redcliffe fullback Shar-Lene Nati provided the highlight reel moment after a superb 60 solo try.
After receiving the ball from centre Sinalei Tupu, Nati burnt the defenders for pace before swerving back on the inside to get past the Tigers’ fullback. It was a wonderful try by an terrific athlete.
Connell Cup
The Tigers opened their account after two tough losses against Norths and Wynnum Manly saw them start the season 2-0, despite playing very well at times.
The visitors broke through by outlasting Redcliffe 16-10, having kept the opposition scoreless after the ninth minute when Dolphins fullback Sonny Hewitt opened the scoring with a dazzling long distance try.
The Dolphins led 6-0 but slowly but surely the Tigers pounced to take full advantage of the wealth of possession and great field position they earnt.
It was well deserved because, early on, while five-eight Mikaere Barnes was in the sin bin, the Tigers defended stoically only letting Hewitt hit the scoreboard.
With all 13 players on the field, the Tigers turned to Max Rakitovszky to make the first move. The Villanova College young gun stepped his way to the line and made it a tied ball game entering the second half.
WILDE THING
The Tigers had some good players on show, but none were better than lock Jonah Wilde who produced a captain’s performance.
It was a tremendous leadership performance from him, while Ryan Tronc also played strong in his return.
Redcliffe’s best was again Cohen Cochran.
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
The match was there for the taking and the mobile Rakitovszky produced another big play to give the Tigers a 12-6 advantage midway through the second half.
After Grayson Wharakura had moved centrefield off his wing, Rakitovszky received an offload and attacked the short side before setting in motion Hemi Rakuita.
The busy centre scored and it wasn’t until Wharakura scored the Tigers’ third try that the visitors felt it was their game to lose.
Tigers v Dolphins, Harvey 19s
The impressive Tigers did what was expected on the way to a 38-nil win, with the defensive shut out most impressive against Redcliffe.
Coach Damien Pratt said keeping the opposition to zero was most please.
“I was happy with all the players today. Everyone stood up and did their job admirably,’’ he said.
Tigers v Dolphins, Meninga Cup
Noah Fien scored three tries while his teammates put a capital D into Defence with a 28-0 blackout late tonight.
The Tigers went with Redcliffe through the first half, with the 0-nil headlock only broken on the eve of halftime when Noah Fien slipped over.
But Redcliffe added five tries in the second half, with Fien scoring two more.
Dolphins coach Scott Murray admired the zero scoreline on the opposition side of the scoreboard.
“Our defence in the first half was very good after making too many errors,’’ Murray said.
Middle forwards Cody Starr and Carter Ford were powerful in the middle, while hooker Braelan Marsh capitalised on the work done around him with a strong match.
FIEN MAGIC
He is a clever half, this fellow. On the eve of halftime, against tiring forwards, he produced a Johnathan Thurston like show and go to score a brilliant 15m individual try.
It was classical little man smarts against battle weary big me close to a break.
Fien then added another two tries in the second 35 minutes.
The little bloke took the line on again in the second half, using his pace to prize open a space near the line.
Then, to score his third try, he moved to a wide blindside to dummy his way over in traffic.
DEVILS v WYNNUM MANLY
Connell Cup
It was like an early semi-final as a Majah-Jose Peachey inspired Wynnum slugged it out with Norths in a thriller, won 18-14 by the Seagulls.
Down 16-nil, Norths rallied from the back of the pack to cut the margin to 16-14 after a superlative individual try by five-eight Billy Spicer who had grubber kicked and regathered himself.
It was heart in your mouth stuff for the Wynnum bench as Norths rode momentum to almost score again, but Wynnum hung onto win.
The foundation of Wynnum’s win was improved ball control in the first half which helped the side establish a 16-nil advantage.
Coach Jon Buchanan said his team’s handling in the opening third of the game was good, but the side still needs to concentrate on its ball control toward the end of matches.
In another plus for the side, Norths scored all three tries from kicks.
Peachey was enormous for his side, while right centre Dean Tauaa was a danger when the ball went to the other side of the field.
MAJAH-JOSE PEACHEY
The powerful second rower gave his team momentum and depth with insightful running in the opening half an hour.
While he played edge, his footwork and evasive skills allowed him to also threaten around the ruck.
One of his first half runs was directly responsible for giving hooker Jones attacking ball, with a right hand raid ending in centre Dean Tauaa roaring over in the corner for a 16-nil lead.
Forward power
While Wynnum scored edge tries, it all started in the forwards where Seagulls’ middle men like Koby McGarrity and Franck Iraguha pushed forward, helping hooker Jones with his game.
Norths pack also ramped up their performance across the match, with No.13 Lincoln Dalton again special, while interchange forward Harry Bate delivered off the bench.
THE EARLY BLOWS
To score first Wynnum expertly opened up both sides of the field with a midfield run by Daniel Cash, and after hooker Zeke Jones looked to his right, he passed to his left where five-eight Jordan Hotere had the play set up.
Edge prime mover Majah-Jose Peachey no doubt drew attention, but instead of running he tapped on for his centre Bailen Noy who scored.
Not long after Peachey put his side on the attack with a run, and minutes after that a stolen ball by Adam Wilson gave Jones a chance to send his No. 13, Cash, over to score as he ran a crash ball next to the posts.
NORTHS FLAIR
Five-eight Spicer displayed flair to pounce on his own grubber kick and score, while instinctive halfback Timahna Tandy had earlier chip kicked for himself - regathering and put electric centre James Grey over the score. It was exciting stuff.
Harvey Norman U17s
A Simaima Vainga three try performance lifted the Norths Devils to a 20-16 shootout win over Wynnum Manly in one of the matches of the today.
Vainga’s second half tries dragged her side from behind after Wynnum had gone ahead courtesy of outstanding hooker Emily Whittaker.
VAINGA’S THREE TRIES
She scored all three tries on the same side of the field.
The first came from a short kick from lock Annabel Hales that saw the quick thinking second rower Vainga leap between two Seagulls defenders over the line to ground the ball - full flight.
For the second try Vainga ran onto a ball passed from half back Vaisaili Chan-Kee 10m from tryline. Charging through three defenders, she scored her second to the right of posts - the exact same spot as her first.
And for her third try, Vainga was ready and waiting to pounce on a lost ball, reaching over and grounding possession over the line. It was her third try.
Wynnum had their good players as well, with outstanding prop Summer Thorne, second rower Kaydence Marino-King and clever halfback Arianah-Lei Colenso-Tevita excellent.
THE START WAS LIKE THE FINISH – CLOSE
Wynnum Manly started well to score first, with a lovely exchange of face passing close to the line through hooker Whittaker, Tenika Rokocoko and Khiara-Lee Liuvaie led to second rower Kaydence Marino-King hitting a hole to score.
But not long after Devils’ edge forward Adejah Willie-Jawai returned serve, finding a gap through the left centre defence which brought her side back to 4-6 deficit.
Harvey Norman U19s
Wynnum Manly went with Norths early before the Devils were able to pull away and establish a hard fought victory over the Seagulls, 26-4.
Te Ngaroahiahi Fanua Awhina Rimoni broke the nil-all deadlock with a try just before halftime - quickly followed by another just after the break.
Rimoni was outstanding in the ruck for the Devils, with her power game a nice contrast to the edge running efforts of second rowers Bailey Sorbello and Barbara Sakaio.
Directing Norths around the field was halfback Bailey Webb whose guiding hand was invaluable.
Meninga Cup
Norths coach Kevin Neighbour lauded the kick-chase defence of his side which laid foundations for his outfit’s 26-8 win over Wynnum Manly.
After a first round loss, and a draw in round two, Norths built their game nicely to win well in round three.
“I am proud of the kids,’’ Neighbour said. “We now go forward the next week against Redcliffe.’’
Norths had a stack of good players, but was there a better player on the field other than second rower Duquan Talaepa.
Lachlan McCall was grand at hooker, prop Jasper Barry outstanding and Keyarn
Pene was excellent as a centre and a forward.
Wynnum Manly had their moments, with second rower Matthew Schultz fantastic against quality opposition, while centre Thomas Morcom continued to show the benefits of training and playing in Brisbane.
TWEED V FALCONS
Harvey U19s
An attacking onslaught led by Seagulls duo Natalia Hickling and Joshalynn Walker was way too much to handle for the Falcons in round three.
A try in the opening minute from the home side quickly set the tone for the rest of the first half with the Seagulls adding to their points tally roughly every five minutes.
“Our defence early was very tough which paved the way for a great victory,’’ Tweed coach Anthony Swain.
It was an excellent team performance, with second rower Kiara Wright getting her team’s official player of the match, while Laliyah Browning led from the front.
JOSHALYNN, HICKLING SHOW NO REMORSE
Walker, the Seagulls fullback, didn’t let up all game with her impressive sweeping play and decisive footwork as she crossed for a first half double while halfback Natalia Hickling had options aplenty on the left side with her teammates finding gaps all through the Falcons defence.
A 30-6 halftime scoreline quickly doubled to a 60-12 full-time result.
There were a number of standouts in the one sided contest with Tweed hooker Mackenzie Croyston also standing tall with her quick and accurate service a main reason for the attacking tsunami.
The Falcons will look to regroup before travelling to play the Ipswich Jets in round four while Tweed welcome Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Meninga Cup
Tweed Heads had a big win, their third in a row, to announce themselves as premiership front runners again.
The two hour road trip had the Falcons scrambling early as Tweed centre Sam Stephenson crossed for an early double followed by fullback Raymond Puru to hold an 18-0 lead.
The Falcons responded with two tries of their own from their halves pairing Koby Brown and Ellyjah Birve but simply couldn’t stop the rolling flow from Tweed forwards.
Lock forward Cooper Bai was damaging through the middle early but also showcased his short passing skills, helping his wide players stroll over the tryline.
Tweed centre Stephenson, No. 13 Cooper Bai and fullback Ray Puru were outstanding for Tweed.
Despite the loss, Falcons coach Wade Hadley said there were plenty of good players, including best on ground hooker Will Graham, while centre Myron Taupati-Campbell and fullback Jesse Bender also did well.
BEST ATTACK IN THE COMP?
Tweed’s work around the ruck was simply too quick and they seemed to have a handful of players in support on every run.
Tweed six and seven Javon Andrews and Zane Harrison were more than happy to join each other on either side of the field, showing their dominant right to left sweep to cap off a number of scoring opportunities.
Left centre Stephensen, the Titans’ ace, finished with a hat-trick while right side winger Sunny Kama had two himself.
The 50-10 victory pushes Tweed to top spot with a healthy 76 positive points differential.
Harvey Norman U17s
Falcons v Bulls
Winger Zhyra Lohse scored three tries early as her team launched itself to a big win over a forever trying Bulls.
The Sunshine Coast won 36-nil, with captain and second rower Ayslinn Pollock showing her side the way forward with strong defence and breaks.
Interchange forward Mereana Saseve also drove forward, while winger nippy winger Lohse was explosive on her way to three tries.
CLYDESDALES V JETS
Coming on Sunday
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