GCDRU round 6: Coomera crushed by Bulls, Eagles soar as Knights continue reign

Round 6 of GCDRU featured an array of surprises, including last-minute cancelled games and a starry first grade comeback from three tries down. We dive into how it all unfolded while teams look forward to a much-needed bye round.

Round 6 of GCDRU featured an array of surprises, including last-minute cancelled games and a starry first grade comeback from three tries down.

We dive into how it all unfolded while teams look forward to a much-needed bye round.

Coomera Crushers def. by Nerang Bulls 3-26

Coomera may not have found the line, but Nerang head coach Te Ari Mahuri was complimentary of the side’s round 6 battle against his Bulls.

“We knew Coomera would come out fighting,” he said.

“They brought their physicality, which we knew they would and it was a good game.

“The scoreboard didn’t really reflect the game, it was closer than what the score was.”

Mahuri said the 23-point victory hadn’t panned out the way he planned but accepted the points.

“A win is a win,” he said.

Liam Cordell opened Nerang’s tab with back-to-back tries, converted by Logan Watene.

“Squiddy had a good game,” Mahuri said.

“We wanted to target them all from our lineout and that paid dividends … we got two tries and just missed out on a third.

“He also got our three points today so he was Man of the Match.”

Mahuri also pointed to the stellar performance of Wakene, who finished with a try of his own and 75% conversion kicks.

“He’s a good kicker, a young boy who loves all that pressure.”

The game featured tension form both sides, with Mahuri putting it simply:

“There’s a lot of testosterone going on out on the field.

“Coomera is Coomera, with a lot of talkers and aggression,” he said.

“But they are a good club on the rise and I’m looking forward to their future.

“I know a lot of old boys have come back to play due to injuries.

“If they had the depth, they’d be on the top.”

The Bulls have five players representing the Gold Coast Cyclones this weekend in the SEQ Championships before coming up against Helensvale in round 7.

“It’s always a tight affair when we play them (Helensvale) and it’s a fixture we keep close to our hearts,” Mahuri said.

“We play for the Navar Herbert Cup in honour of an old mate who played for both clubs.

“I also played for Hogs so it’s a game I always look forward to.”

GCDRU seniors round 6 - 1st grade Bond Pirates v Colleges Knights.11 May 2024 Miami Picture by Richard Gosling

In other news

Gold Coast Eagles def Helensvale Hogs 24-20

Helensvale went over for the first three tries – one each from Andrew Pelepele-Lemalu, Ezekiel Stewart and Dane Mason – but none were successfully converted. In a turn of events, the Eagles found the line four times thanks to Rory Conway, Tevita Fifita, EJ Ifopo and Jonathon Paynter. Jack Bennett converted 2/4. The score settled at 24-20, pushing the Eagles into outright fourth spot on the ladder.

Bond Pirates def. by Colleges Knights 10-50

The scoring was shared all-round with four Knights finding the line – three of which twice – plus one penalty try awarded, while Bond’s Fletcher Bleakley was on his own. Connor Kennedy converted 4/8 as Samuel Heathwood kicked 1/1 along with a penalty conversion.

PBC Alleygators def. by Surfers Paradise Dolphins 12-35

For the second time in as many weeks, the Alleygators have added a try to their season tally – this time against a front running premiership side. While still a loss, it’s a positive sign for what’s to come as the side continues to develop.

Cancelled games from round 6

Third grade – PBC v Surfers Paradise, Helensvale v Nerang

Second grade – Coomera v Nerang