QLD Junior Reps round 5: Latest results, scorers across Meninga, Connell, Harvey girls action
A Clydesdales’ prop unsigned by an NRL club was the star power of an action packed day of Meninga Cup, Connell and Harvey 19 junior league action. Story here.
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Western Clydesdales prop Shaun Elara was a remarkable four try hero in what was another bumper round of Meninga, Connell and Harvey 19s’ girls junior representative league.
Elara played prop, but ran with the freedom of an edge forward with his power and pace around the ruck too hot for the Wide Bay boys to handle
Jump to your game: Bears v Devils, Pride v Capras, Clydesdales v Bulls, Jets v Falcons,
Cutters v Blackhawks, Dolphins v Magpies, Tigers v Wynnum Manly.
In other highlights:
+ Ipswich Jets halfback Taupale Sauaso scored the match winning try against the Falcons
+ Townsville Blackhawks’ Connell boys caused a last-gasp victory
+ Redcliffe edge forward Duquan Talaepa scored the match winning try to defeat Souths Logan
+ Dolphins under 19 centre Deleni Paitai scored three tries in her team’s Harvey 19s win over Magpies.
But the performance of the round came from Elara, a St Mary’s College student who remains unsigned by an NRL club.
“Shaun Elara was brilliant, scoring four tries and setting up at least two more,’’ noted Clydesdales coach Ned Murphy.
And Elara’s brother Shannon also starred in Clydesdales’ close 22-16 win over Wide Bay. More on that game later.
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HARVEY NORMAN UNDER 17s SUPER 30 OF THE SEASON
MENINGA, CONNELL AND HARVEY GIRLS STRONGEST PLAYERS
Pride v Capras
Connell Cup
The Capras’ overcame a Planes, Trains and Automobiles horror movie to beat Northern Pride 24-10.
The forwards stood tall to help batter their side to a 24-10 away win that was a challenge even before the whistle had blown.
Capras first had delayed flights and buses which left the side scrambling to get to the field on time.
In the end the game started 20 minutes late.
Then there was torrential rain, high humidity and mud.
In heavy conditions it was a battle of wills between the two forward packs, a day for heavy collisions in the middle third both with and without the ball.
The Capras had the better of the first two-thirds of the game, shading their rivals as CQ No. 13 Jake Oberhardt shone brightly in the gloom.
Twice he smashed down the door of the Pride’s forward pack with long distance runs, and on another occasion forced a handling error with sledgehammer defence.
Late in the second half Oberhardt was unlucky not to score after a close range effort saw the ball slip from his grasp.
Capras’ right centre Elijah McKay also impressed with his defence and strong runs out of danger.
Capras’ winger Leo Fanuatanu almost opened the scoring, but a magnificent covering tackle by Pride No. 13 Riley Wells prevented the score.
It was like watching great locks of the past Ron Coote (1970s, NSWRL), Norm Carr (1980s, BRL) and Scott Sattler (2000s, NRL) rolled into one as Wells came surging across in cover to put his opponent over the sideline.
The Capras eventually did score first when halfback Tyler Melrose popped a pass in a tackle to strong running Zac Bateman who strode over.
But the Pride altered the momentum of the game with some strong forward play off the back of a couple of turnovers triggered by a penalty and a handling error.
From close range that man Wells then forced his way over and it was 6-4 at halftime.
Capras then started the second half well with its direct play, and near the line the big body of Alekisio Siale was too hard to handle off a quick ruck ball close to the line.
Melrose then passed Harvey Mahoney into another half hole, with the back rower fighting his way over to score. It was 18-4.
Centre McKay then launched his considerable frame toward the line, finding the in-goal area, and with goal kicker Bateman’s footing standing up in the rain, the Capras were going well at 24-4.
The tough as teak Cayde Miller then crossed for Pride, and there was still time for a wag in the tail of the Cairns-based side.
Philip Yock then went within centimetres of putting the game to bed for Capras, but again Pride showed pride in its last line with grand cover defence.
Capras’ coach Duane Carpenter said it was a tough road trip.
“Pride really pushed us in the first half, but I was happy we stayed composed and were able to put 24 points on the board in less than ideal attacking conditions,’’ Carpenter said.
No. 13 Oberhardt, hooker Jay Marsh and Harrison Meilland were great for Capras, while centre McKay, Zac Bateman of course and the towering Alekisio Siale were strong.
Pride coach Kris O’Farrell said while the first half was competitive, his team does struggle with the region’s physical play and conditioning. “I am happier this week, we competed and that’s all that I can ask of the team.
“We had a narrow focus of improvements and we ticked a few things off.
“The six again is all momentum and this is something we are struggling to adjust or react to.’’
Pride’s middle forward Cayde Miller was outstanding.
Under-19s
The Pride and Capras played out a mini-classic at Barlow Park in a clash drawn 8-all after a dramatic late try by the home team’s Nahlani Von Senden.
“What a game. Absolutely brilliant,’’ praised Pride coach Floria King-Smith. “The defence was outstanding.’’
A try 10 minutes from full-time by Capras’ winger Mia Curtis after a magnificent pass under pressure by edge forward Georgia Wright ensured a thrilling finish.
In heavy contact, and with a wet ball, Wright showed great strength to pass perfectly to her winger despite the attention of two defenders.
Up until that point Pride’s defence had been water tight.
Then in the final minutes, Pride surged one last time, helping get Von Senden close enough to score.
On a rain-soaked oval, both team’s forwards inflicted damage with rugged and enthusiastic defence, often forcing errors.
It became obvious the first side to control the ball would be best placed to win, and it was the home side which achieved this task.
There was little between the two sides, a nil-all deadlock broken when Pride winger Elenoa Regunamada scored after a great pass in a tackle by centre Shavinta Dorante-Bann.
Shavinta Dorante-Bann was sandwiched in the collision, but in the wet retained the ball and got her arms free to give her winger a great pass.
In the conditions it was a special piece of play by Shavinta Dorante-Bann.
Earlier Pride second rower Odette Richter got herself into the highlights package with a sensational try saving tackle.
Into the second half Pride’s thirst for field position was quenched when Lisa Waireg scored her team’s second try, sending the home team inching ahead 8-nil.
On a tough day for the forwards, Pride’s Syianna Bann alongside Mary-Sha Mairu were magnificent, while Lily Jay Licence and Lisa Waireg defended and hit the ball up well. Layla Geck also controlled the game well for the FNQ outfit and flying winger Elonoa Regunamada contributed.
Meninga Cup
Northern Pride featured one of the biggest packs in the competition, but it was sleight of hand which proved decisive on a sodden Barlow Park on Saturday.
Pride beat Capras 28-12, with the crucial try coming shortly after halftime which, in the conditions, was a down payment on victory.
While the Capras forwards were lining up for more close quarter contact on the open side, five-eighth Marley Helion subtly worked the blind, with his quick hands serving No. 13 whose lightning touch Mason Kira pushed the pass onto trybound Jirra Twist.
It was a classic case of the ball beating the man, and it was a profound moment in a close game.
Four minutes later, down the same side of the field, Pride attacked again, with this time Assariah Lenoy Sam scoring.
Earlier, Northern Pride’s gigantic forward pack helped chisel out a hard earned 12-nil lead across the opening part of the first half.
In wet conditions, and with the ground getting heavier and heavier the more it was played on, Narason Moorcroft-Kose and the elusive Braith Dowson scored to give their side a handy advantage.
But to Capras’ credit, they showed tremendous resolve, with a nice left side movement finishing in the hands of ace winger Banjo Walker who skirted over.
There was also a try saving tackle right on halftime by Blayne Perese-Sukroo which saved the day for Capras and which kept them in touch entering the second 30 minutes of play.
Bears v Devils
Under-19s
Burleigh’s under-19s girls side made it a three-peat of wins for the club over Norths on Saturday with a triumphant 38-4 victory that sent a strong message to their foes across the competition.
Burleigh blazed away in both halves, through dangerous outside backs Bella Thompson (fullback), Nikola MacDonald (wing), Liarna Barber-Salvation (centre), Mhia Mackey-Taylor (centre) and Kaelyn Passi (wing).
“We are starting to be very consistent in some areas,” said Burleigh coach Spencer Taplin.
“We are being a lot more direct around the ruck.”
Taplin was also pleased with the impact his bench players Jaimelee Anaru, Rina Francis, Tehilla Peseta and Kura Marsters provided, saying it “helped us out a lot”.
Burleigh scored 10 tries to Norths’ two, all made possible by the destructive power-running of edge forward Sarina Masaga, the playmaking, and precise kicking, of lock Kaliyah Browning, and the all-round cleverness of hooker Nadia Windleborn.
In the first half both sides defended themselves to a standstill but it was Burleigh who snuck its way through the cracks to land five tries.
Passi scored first, dotting down a brilliant cross-field kick from five-eighth Zali Bettridge.
It was a tremendous start.
Lolohea scored the next with a bulldozing close range carry. Barber-Salvation and speedy fullback Bella Thompson crossed as well to join edge forward Masaga in the scorers column.
Masaga was at her damaging best, bruising Norths’ defensive line to get the Bears onto the front foot.
She was deserving of that first half four-pointer, engineered by classy dummyhalf Windleborn who took full advantage throughout the first thirty minutes of play.
Norths scored only one try through headgear wearing hooker Bonnie Zappa. But the visitors should hold their heads high for an A+ effort.
Jacinta Neemia and Easter Taulalai, edge forwards, could be seen making courageous cover tackles while halves Sienna Twigg and Kaea Daniels-Harris and fullback Ava Walters took hit-ups at times to relieve pressure.
In other positives for Norths, Mt Maria product Bailey Sorbello had a solid first outing in the No. 4 jersey.
Connell Cup
The Burleigh Bears swooped in the second half to down the form team of the competition, Norths, 32-24 at Pizzey Park on Saturday.
Bears second rower Kilarney Lavender was up to his usual tricks on the left edge, the TSS schoolboy scoring three timely tries to run over the top of Norths and snatch victory at home.
Scurrying Norths’ rake Flynn Dalton crossed twice within the first 10 minutes with spurts from the ruck before a response came from silky smooth Burleigh playmaker Daniel Rakena.
Angus Tagicakibau scored Norths’ third try in the 13th minute, seeing the visitors extend their lead at 18-4.
But then the powerful Lavender stamped his mark on the game with two tries in the space of eight minutes.
The tables had turned, with Lavender’s crash running swinging momentum in Burleigh’s favour.
Norths flyer James Grey scored a beauty for his team’s fourth and final try, before Burleigh finished the match with a flurry of tries to take their first lead of the game - and keep it.
Isaac Cullen scored for Burleigh, then Lavender to notch his hat-trick, then finally head geared prop Marley Igasan who nailed the coffin shut.
Timahna Tandy kicked four-from-four off the tee for Norths, while his halves partner Keyarn Pene impressed as captain.
Norths’ back three of Oliver Patterson, Tagicakibau and Cortez Kirkpatrick had strong games alongside centres Grey and Ethan Grimshaw.
For Burleigh, lock Tupou Francis was at his best linking the forwards with the backs and of course Lavender, Igasan, hooker Hayden Watson and Dallas Ingram were sharp.
Wingers Levi Handyside and Kingstone Seve performed well on defence and also rucking the ball out of Burleigh’s danger zone.
Burleigh coach Ryan Gundry said it was good for his team to face adversity and “show character” following a week where many players in his team had already played a game.
“This week was going to be a danger game. A lot of the boys played in their regional championship trials for schoolboys.
“A lot of them played two games this week.”
Gundry loved the way five-eighth Daniel Rakena, who had been coming off the bench, made the most of his opportunity and how spark plug Dallas Ingram filled in at fullback.
“Daniel has been doing a really good job at training,” Gundry praised.
“He’s been coming off the bench. I thought it was his opportunity to start and he proved that.
“When Seth (Burleigh’s fullback) went off early hurt we needed to find some spark out the back and Dallas did a great job.”
Gundry hurt his foot in a tackle, and Ingram, off the bench, engineered a great try to three-try-hero Lavender.
“We’ve never had a strike weapon quite like Kilarney,” Gundry said.
Meninga Cup
Burleigh ran rampant in an eight tries to two, 46-12 victory over Norths at Pizzey Park.
Burleigh’s third win was achieved by left edge outside backs Sunny Kama (centre) Saxon Innes (winger) and Raymond Puru (fullback) who were damaging down that side of the field.
The hot-stepping trio took the air out of Norths’ players lungs with their unrelenting backline moves.
Left centre Disharne Tonihi was a benefactor of those three, while edge forward Amare Milford and halves Coby Black and Bailey McConnell also helped Tonihi (two tries) taunt the Devils’ right edge defence.
It truly was a masterclass by Burleigh’s backline, and it started with quick ball delivered from hooker Klay Tencred.
Lock Cooper Bai, props Brady Turner and Talas Abell, and edge forwards Milford and Watton were enormous in the 36-point-victory.
Norths were in the game for the first thirty minutes but into the second half it was all one way traffic.
Devils skipper Lauloto Salei had a highlight in the 16th minute when he stepped his way to the tryline to score his team’s first try.
Middle forwards Amos Va’a and Walter Joseph were tireless for the visitors, as was captain and hooker Jordan Kake, winger Adam Khan, halfback Jahrel Iselin-Jansen and metre-eating centre Emerson Jackson.
Clydesdales v Bulls
Harvey Norman under 19s
The Western Clydesdales’ girls produced one of the team tries of the season - and it was all thanks to its front row of Prezlee Northdurft, Mia Byrnes and Libby Dunn.
The Clydesdales scored 14 tries in its 68-0 win over the Bulls at Clive Berghofer Stadium, their fourth consecutive victory this season.
One of the tries was a fabulous team effort by the middle forwards.
The tall, long striding Dunn was basically unstoppable in the opening half, charging into the ruck off the back of quick play the balls by her teammates.
It was her mobility which saw her support a run down the ruck, offer her hooker Mia Byrnes a pass, and then onto a rampaging Northdurft who scored.
The front rowers union would have been so proud to see the interchange of passing and backing up.
The Clydesdales started like a train with Chelsea Middleton scoring after just one minute, and dynamic hooker Byrnes a few moments later.
Byrnes, coming off three matches as a fullback in the Harvey 17s, tore the ruck to pieces with her speed and ball skills.
Centre Jessica Fitzgibbons then ran off captain and five-eight Chloe Pallisier who offered a super pass on the run for another try.
Then came the front rowers union getting together to generate their team’s fourth try and it was all upward and onward for the Clydesdales.
Fullback Jessica Barnes was also fabulous through the middle or off the ruck for the Toowoomba-based side.
The effort of the Bulls players cannot be discounted. They tried hard, but the speed of play by Clydesdales was the big difference.
Connell Cup
The Western Clydesdales prop Shaun Elara was at the peak of his powers as his team turned a lightning start into a 62-8 win over Wide Bay Bulls.
St Mary’s College student Elara scored four of the 11 tries, including in the first minute of play - and then another three within the space of six minutes later in the game.
The Clydesdales swept to a 24-nil lead in the first half, two of the four tries scored by big guns Shaun Elara and Braithen Scott, while Declan Reen and Hayden Nicholson also crossed.
But a nicely taken try was scored by the Bulls, created by a beautifully weighted grubber by halfback Lukas Blair.
Blair’s deft kick was rewarded by the desperation of No. 13 Ryan Charteris who beat the opposition to the ball with a dive. That made it 24-6 and the Bulls were given some heart.
There was more cause for optimism when the Clydesdales lost a player to the sin bin for back chat, but the Clydesdales quelled Wide Bay’s recovery with aggressive defence led by second rower Harry Robinson.
Prop Elara then scored his second try, a dynamic run through the ruck after two plays earlier he had sent the Clydesdales storming onto the front foot.
Elara’s pace and power through the middle continued to cause problems for the opposition.
In support of prop Elara, fullback Jackson Winnett was strong in a young side featuring many in their first or second match.
Meninga Cup
Two tries by the Wide Bay Bulls put their side within touching distance of an upset win, but it was the Western Clydesdales who held on 22-16.
A surging Bulls turned a considerable deficit into a last minute thriller when Zander Evans and Toby Kelly crossed.
Clydesdales started like a train but a persistent Wide Bay refused to go away.
“I thought we started really well but then became very sloppy again with our ball control and attack,’’ said coach Gus McKellar.
While McKellar also had high praise for Wide Bay, he said his team needed to make sure they turned up to play at games if they want to play in the finals.
“Defensively were were solid again,’’ he added.
The Toowoomba-based side scored early courtesy of second rower Trace Beattie and the promising prop Bodhi Sharpley, then again just after halftime when Carge Martin-Brown and forward Shannon Elara powered over.
But Wide Bay refused to go away and at one stage threatened to draw level with their rivals.
Beattie, Sharpley, Shannon Elara and interchange little man Jack Philp were excellent for the Clydesdales.
Jets v Falcons
Harvey Norman Under-19s
Two tries in four minutes midway through the second half proved decisive as the Falcons overcame Ipswich 16-8.
Falcons were clinging to a 6-4 advantage when winger Caitlyn Smith and inspiring captain and No. 13, Takoda Thompson, swooped to score.
Those tries were not the winning of the game, but in a close encounter they were crucial and the Coast needed every point, such was the effort from Ipswich.
Jets winger Pauline To’o produced a strong run from the ruck to thrust her side forward, and off the back of that prop Lyla Duffy won the fight to unload the ball to her halfback Kaiah Hansell.
Hansell still had plenty of work to do, but in traffic she crossed and from 16-8 it was anyone’s game again.
Falcons coach Joshua Shutlewood said it was a fine team effort, including from some of the under-17 players who have joined the squad.
The 60 minute performances of both back row forward leader Sarah McGuire and centre Jordan Bloomfield helped inspire the side.
“It is always a tough road trip and I am happy to come home with the points,’’ Shuttlewood said.
“Our completion rate was poor but our defence was tireless.
“We defended our try line extremely well against back to back sets.’’
Jets coach Michael Wardrop said while his side battled hard, they panicked a little in attack “which meant we didn’t turn field position into points’’.
But he stressed the effort was evident.
For Ipswich Dakota Taputoa at centre was strong in attack, while winger Pauline Too had to fill a number of positions due to injuries. Coach Wardop loved her defence.
In addition, props Sifa Leapai and Lyla Duffy had strong carries.
Connell Cup
Jets halfback Taupale Sauaso scored the match winning try which snatched victory from the Sunshine Coast late in Saturday’s thrilling match played at the North Ipswich Reserve.
Headgear wearing half Sauaso put on a deadly step to evade the last line of defence after a break by fullback Christian Mikaele and a final pass from winger Conrad Browne put Sausao in a prime position to score.
The scores were level at 22-all before Sauaso’s magical moment in the 56th minute which moved the home side ahead 28-22.
Then, with the dagger, barnstorming Jets prop Xzavier Timoteo steamrolled opposition defenders to plant the ball under the posts and his side was up 34-22.
“I think that was the type of try that was going to be scored,” said Jets coach Jye Tuaimau-Gadsdon.
“It wasn’t going to be a set play. Something off the cuff in the last bit.
“He (Sauaso) was just telling me he hasn’t scored in three years so it’s good to see him get across the line in that fashion.
“We needed to get that win. Now we have two games to control our destiny.”
It was a gripping battle between the teams, won in the final five minutes by the Jets who also closed out the first half well to set themselves up.
Earlier in the contest, the Sunshine Coast soared to a 10-0 lead within the first 15 minutes after tries to Keagan Zanchetta and Tyler Conquest threw Ipswich onto the backfoot.
But on the cusp of halftime the Jets ran in two quick tries to head into the break ahead 16-10.
Ioane Tiatia and Tiger Campbell scored those tries after Finn Kendall had scored the team’s first.
Nathan Thomas and Kalan Beattie scored the Falcons’ tries in the second half, while bruising prop Innocent Baruani crossed for Ipswich to set up a tense final quarter.
In swooped Sauaso and Timoteo, undoing all of the Falcons’ hard work which had them in the box seat for much of the contest.
“There was a lot of good things they should be proud of,” said Falcons coach Tim Baldwin.
Bottom aged players Oliver Kleijn, Nathan Thomas, Jett Ryan and debutant Cooper Lees were solid for the Falcons against a sizeable Ipswich outfit, while Mr Consistent Tyson Fallon May had another strong showing.
For the Jets, edge forwards Vena Aukusitino Fetalaiga and Tannar Baker were brilliant alongside defensive brute Tomasi Vaitai.
Rather than wearing the No. 11 jersey, Baker donned the No. 19 jersey in respect to the late Ben Hunter.
Ben’s dad Chris is a longtime supporter of the Jets, having been involved heavily with the club.
“We won’t wear that No. 11 jersey in respect to the Hunter family,” said Tuaimau-Gadsdon.
Harvey Norman 19s
Cutters v Blackhawks
The Mackay Cutters overcame a big hearted Blackhawks to win 16-12 in a thriller in Mackay.
It was anyone’s match into the home straight after the visitors had initially turned pressure into points to get a two try start on their rivals.
Easther Mikaele scored in the third minute and later Thalia Clarke, and with Hannah De Daunton bringing her kicking boots, Blackhawks made the running 12-nil.
Slowly but surely Cutters built pressure and started working its way toward the lead.
It was hard yards, but two quick tries close towards halftime by wing La Naliah Hine and centre Jennifer Kimber ensured it would be an edge of your seat stuff into the second half.
Tension mounted when centres Miah Powell and Jennifer Kimber crossed, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
“In very windy conditions, we knew in the second half that if we could use the wind and turn them around, we would get success,’’ said Mackay coach Matt Sanders.
“It was a really gritty defensive effort in the second half.’’
Representative hooker Paityne Johns again gave value for money, while forward Gracie Whatt was also strong for the Cutters.
Blackhawks coach Rob Hall said while it was a disappointing result, he could not criticise the effort.
“We just struggled to control the ruck either side of halftime,’’ Hall said.
“We struggled to train again this week and it showed with some of our execution, but I am proud of the way we fought hard to have an opportunity to win it late.’’
Back rower Lhylla Williamson was excellent for Blackhawks, while Thalia Clark and Brandy Yallop also led the way for Townsville.
Connell Cup
The Blackhawks winger Dylan Gourley scored a try 90 seconds from full-time to hand his side a 22-18 win in a remarkable game.
Cutters led 8-nil for most of the first half, only for Townsville to score 18 points in a row before Mackay snared two tries in three minutes, leaving it 18-all with nine minutes remaining.
The try which drew the game came from a fabulous right side raid, with catch and pass skills of Flynn Battaia, Cohen Jackson and Cooper Shears finished by the pace of fullback McSherry.
However, in a dramatic final few minutes:
+ Blackhawks fullback Lincoln Baker and his five-eight Marley Proctor made a try saving tackle on the line;
+ Pride prop Mark Morrow lost the ball in heavy contact as he was about to put it down for the winner;
+ A wide blindside scrum play following a lost ball by Pride gave Baker a chance to display his pace. He gave his winger Gourley half a chance, with Gourley’s thrilling 10m sideline sprint giving his side victory.
“It was a scrappy game and we were lucky to get away with it,’’ said Blackhawks coach Nathan Norford.
“Backing up from the Kirwan v Iggy game midweek, we had to get the boys back together.’’
Cutters Connell coach David Roberts added: “Although a disappointing loss, I thought we were the better team.’’
Both teams would have relished playing in hot, dry conditions after frequently playing in the rain.
Cutters Toby Woodall opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a nicely taken try, while Mackay winger Brody Moore put his body on the line when Blackhawks switched its attack to a slick right edge movement.
Moore recovered from the bump to send his team sprinting into attack a few minutes later, with Blackhawks fullback Lincoln Baker forced into top gear to run down the Cutters’ No.5.
Cutters then took advantage of the field position Moore had thrust on his side when rangy left edge forward Declan Grady then caused chaos in the Townsville defence when he won a quick ruck for his No. 1 Adam McSherry who dived over.
Grady had almost scored himself, but the damage was done by his energy to rise to his legs again after contact.
However, the Blackhawks response was decisive, with the team’s forwards revving up with direct power play.
Off the back of that hooker Cooper Cox came into the game and the reward was watching Zane Bethel score from close range. That try came a nick of time as the halftime whistle was blown.
Two tries in three minutes early in the second half then swung the match around completely, the second from a spilt bomb which saw Lincoln Baker rewarded for his chase of Riley Carbone’s kick.
The ball bounced nicely for Baker who sprinted 20m to score under the posts.
From 8-nil near halftime, Blackhawks had scored 18 points quickly to make the running.
Fullback Adam McSherry and middle forward Cohen Jackson were outstanding for Cutters.
Meninga Cup
The Mackay Cutters produced a wet weather masterclass to beat Townsville Blackhawks 46-10.
The cars travelling on an adjoining road had lights beaming as early as 4.30pm, so dark was it, while over the fence on the footy field the Cutters were lighting things up on their home ground.
At one stage Mackay were going with the clock leading 24-nil, and try as the Blackhawks did in this period momentum was with the home side.
Leading up to halftime Blackhawks finally gained parity, but down 24-nil in the wet, it was a matter of them playing to win the second half.
Then, seconds before the break, gun Cutters fullback Mutua Brown sprinted 80m to score off a dropped ball despite an amazing chase by Blackhawks second rower Wil Hope.
Cutters coach Andy Battaia said after winning the toss and taking the breeze, they concentrated on holding the ball and getting down the other end of the field.
“I liked the way we put together things we had been working on at training for the last few weeks.
Battaia said the aim then was “to play a bit of footy’’ and his side did that well.
It was a strong team performance, but dummy half Xavier Kerrisk, prop Tavita Penaia Te’o and No.13 Jamal Shibasaki were very good.
Dolphins v Magpies
Harvey Norman 19s
Redcliffe centre Deleni Paitai hit the bullseye as the Dolphins scored seven tries in its 32-18 defeat of Souths Logan.
In a high scoring game, Redcliffe made the running across most of the first half which resulted in Paitai, representative prop Reegan Hicks and then Paitai again scoring.
However, Souths Logan worked its way back into the contest when Mabel Park SHS’s halfback ace Danielle-Elizabeth Tutakangahau showed her side how it was done.
When Magpies centre Prayer Playle crossed early in the second half, the result was up in the air.
But when they held the ball Redcliffe were hard to handle, and quick tries to three try hero Paitai and promising No. 13 Keira Rangi gave the Dolphins breathing space again.
Jada Toleafoa’s try continued to shine a ray of sunshine on Souths Logan’s chase from behind, but in the end Redcliffe had the final say when versatile back Amy Bird and interchange forward Harlem Walker scored.
The Dolphins did it the hard way, being patient on attack and scrambling on their goal line to deny the Magpies.
“I was very impressed how we scrambled on our tryline in defence,” said Redcliffe coach Jason Goulding.
Goulding was very happy with his side’s ability to turn the momentum around in the second half and go on to win the game.
Edge forward Mya Sautia played another great game again, helping Hicks, Rangi, Auavae and “outstanding” halves Tianah Teo and Memory Paitai.
Magpies coach Warren Bernardin said it was important his side held onto the ball and reduced errors.
“We got back to 12-14 and 18-22, but the girls got tired,’’ he said.
Best for Souths Logan were second rower Jada Toleafoa, hooker Kaylani Tavita and No. 6 Manaia-Rose Afuie.
Connell Cup
A moment of brilliance from Souths Logan five-eighth Tom Parker to raid the blindside looked to have sealed the deal for the Magpies who led 14-6 with 19 minutes left in Saturday’s game.
But storming back were the Dolphins who scored two tries in five minutes to win 16-14.
Souths Logan led 10-6 when Parker shot out of the ruck and attacked the short side and a 14-6 lead looked healthy enough for the Magpies against a trying Redcliffe outfit playing at home at Kayo Stadium.
But Charlie Dickson and Duquan Talaepa had other ideas. Dickson scored his second try (52nd minute) to move Redcliffe within two points (14-12) before Mabel SHS student Talaepa ran in a magnificent try to win the match in the 57th minute.
Talaepa scooped up a Tom Parker kick which had ricocheted off his shin and away he galloped, 60m downfield to score the matchwinner.
Magpies fullback Adaquix-Jeramiah Watts-Luke almost took him out with a trysaving tackle attempt but Talaepa stayed in and slammed the ball down.
Handling errors prevented either side from finding form in the first half, and the mistakes carried across into the second.
It became a game of who could hold the ball for longer and Souths Logan made the most of having possession in Redcliffe’s half.
That was until two magic plays late in the piece by the home side.
Lock Dickson was a real standout for the Dolphins. He scored two tries and was influential in tackles.
Logan Hudson was also a tackling terror, the Redcliffe centre making two brutal tackles in the first half which stunned the Magpies.
It was a scrappy contest, and Parker excelled on both sides of the ball. The No. 6 was everywhere in crucial tackles near the Magpies line, while fleet-a-foot winger Siosaia Poese was big time in the first half with a handful of half breaks.
Upfront, Souths Logan props Fa’apale Feaunati, Emmanuel Asomua and Mace Andrew wrestled it out with Redcliffe forwards Dickson, Talaepa and Henry Sologinkin.
Meninga Cup
The Redcliffe Dolphins dismantled the Magpies 44-6 at Kayo Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a dazzling display from the reigning premiers.
The Magpies were beaten off the mark and before long Redcliffe had a 32-nil lead. From there, it was mission impossible for Souths Logan to come back despite a sensational try through Ryan McCann and improved ball control.
But the Dolphins weren’t done. They quickly returned the favour with stunning tries by Zac Herdegan, assisted by Zac Garton, and Lewis Symonds, assisted by Prestyn Laine-Sietu.
The Dolphins were on fire and the catalyst was Garton, his prop buddy Elijah Rasmussen, fullback LJ Nonu and John Fineanganofo, who scored two tries again.
Last weekend Fineanganofo returned from injury with two tries. In what was his second game back, he scored identical tries, the hooker using sheer strength to muscle over from the ruck.
Souths Logan’s best was No.13 Jayden Solien.
Tigers v Wynnum Manly
Under-19s
The Brisbane Tigers remained the team to beat in the Harvey under-19s competition following Saturday’s 34-4 triumph over a courageous Wynnum Manly outfit at Langlands Park.
The Tigers were held to seven tries which Wynnum Manly should be proud of. The Tigers showcased the best of their dazzling outside back talent and powerful forwards – but the Seagulls were game in defence.
Time after time, Wynnum Manly made coach Steve Casey proud with some inspired goal line defence. In attack, ferocious centre Gloria Seumalii, smart five-eighth Mariah Brown and tireless lock Hayley Bush made inroads.
On defence, Sophie Davison, Lili Douglas, Maddison Schipplock and Tupoutua King made tackles left right and centre.
But there was no stopping those Tigers girls from running wild.
Across the board the Tigers performed well, from centre Relna Hosea and halves India Seeto and Leilani Tuqiri to forwards Alice Shannon, Shaylee Joseph, Patricia Wani and Tiresa Elika.
Off the bench the Tigers were given a boost from the club’s elite under-17s talent. Porche John, Lishainah Ulugia, Orianna Clark and Seromelina Tanielu all dealt damage against a worn down Seagulls defence.
Kayleen Takai, Shannon, Judy Crosby, Hosea (two tries), Wani and Seeto scored the tries for the home side. Powerful centre Seumalii scored the Seagull’s lone four-pointer.
Connell Cup
Wynnum Manly played the game in fast forward to overcome the Tigers 36-18 in an entertaining match at Langlands Park.
At times both teams played at breakneck speed, and how more points were not scored one will never know.
A try early in the second half by winger Nate Wallin after a flat, strong spiral pass by the versatile Tyler Pereira proved decisive in a match which swung from one end of the field to the other at a great rate of knots.
That try prised open the door and a few minutes later, the door was swung wide open when Wynnum’s Broncos’ boy, hooker Ezekiel Jones, scored a converted try to make it 32-18.
Wynnum then scored late to make it a 18 points margin, but the match was closer than the score indicated.
It was 12-all when both teams went to suck on their oranges at halftime.
After towering prop Kobi Floro blocked out the sun on his way to scoring the opening try, Wynnum settled down to score next - courtesy of impressive livewire hooker Ezekiel Jones.
It was one of two tries Jones scored, the other late in the first half when he took advantage of Wynnum Manly’s upbeat ruck speed to dive past defenders strewn around the ruck.
There is not a lot of Jones, but he is as fit as an Olympic triathlete and strong.
To counter Jones’ impact on the scoreboard, the Tigers turned to the wild side next - No. 13 Jonah Wilde that is.
Wilde twisted hard out of heavy contact to cross from close range, having earlier gone within the cusp of scoring, his four points was reward for his second effort plays. The Tigers were back ahead 12-6.
After both teams traded tries early in the second half, Wynnum would have hit the front had Tigers prop Floro not blocked the path of Seagulls centre Dean Tauaa who was bumping and crashing his way toward the line.
He had beaten three with his power, but he met his match in Floro.
While he missed out on that try, he did score not long after his fullback Pereira had kept play alive.
In the second half first fullback Grayson Wharakura scored for the Tigers, and then Pereira for Wynnum.
Meninga Cup
The Seagulls got the job done in a spirited local derby, 28-12 over the Tigers at Langlands Park.
Wynnum thoroughly deserved the win, palming off a fiesty Tigers’ outfit looking to get its season back on track after slipping up against Norths.
Despite the scoreline it was a good game.
The Tigers effort was exemplified by a great chase on the Villanova College side of the field, and then a try line tackle by Will Quinn on Wynnum’s biggest player, Beni Allen.
Winger Ontoia Maea then saved what looked like a certain try and the Tigers were playing for each other.
But how long could the defence hold up?
Not too much longer as Seagulls centre Kingston-Francis found a channel to the line to give his side a 10-4 advantage.
What Kingston-Francis could do one the right side of the field, co-centre Tariq Tanner could do on the other, with his two-try effort just four minutes apart sending his side to the break leading 20-4.
Early on the Tigers were up for the battle.
Despite Wynnum Manly scoring first courtesy of centre Jaycob Kingston-Francis, the Tigers were not intimidated.
Tigers coach Ben Weston said it was an improvement from the previous week against Norths.
“But our discipline let is down,’’ he said.
Best for the Tigers were back rower Jack Tuite and Braxton Wilson-Clune who gave the side spark from the bench.
Seagulls centres Tanner and Kingston-Francis ran good lines while Kingston-Francis defended well.
Wynnum Manly captain Harry Armstrong maintained his extremely high standards.
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