Meninga Cup, Connell Cup and Harvey Norman U17 and U19 round 6 latest including Tweed’s great escape win
UPDATE: There were four super tries scored in the Meninga Cup, Connell, Harvey Norman U17 and U19 competitions this weekend, including when Tweed’s terrific Torah won the game for her side against Burleigh.
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Torah Luadaka’s 85m solo try as her side conjured up a Harvey Norman U17s great escape win over the Burleigh Bears was one of many fantastic highlights from the weekend.
Luadaka’s glorious run to the line for Tweed was one of four stunning long distance tries which had tongues wagging in round 6 of the junior representative competitions.
On Sunday Bella Thompson’s 99m effort in a loss for Burleigh was eye-popping, and so was a long distance effort by Cutters winger Calvin Ramos.
Mackay right winger Ramos fielded a bomb from Michael Busby, spun his way out of the grasp of two defenders and found himself in the clear.
But there was another sensational moment on Sunday as well, when Wynnum’s Connell Cup centre Dean Tauaa took off like a rocket to beat six defenders on an angled 45m run to the line.
More on that try in our story below, which features the best moments and highlights across the Meninga and Connell Cup, as well as the Harvey girls competitions.
Jump to: Clydesdales v Falcons, Blackhawks v Pride, Capras v Cutters, Magpies v Devils, Dolphins v Wynnum Manly, Tigers v Jets, Tweed v Burleigh.
CLYDESDALES v FALCONS
Harvey U17s
The Sunshine Coast Falcons edged out the Clydesdales by one try in round 6, coming from behind to claim a 16-10 victory at Toowoomba Sports Ground.
It was not a promising start for the winning team but the Falcons came home strong.
Crafty Clydesdales halfback Sedeequa Nelson wasted no time enhancing her reputation when scoring just two minutes into the contest.
A fantastic defensive read from the nimble No. 7 earned herself a superb intercept on the 30 metre line. She then flew past the opposition to the posts for a spectacular solo try.
It was quiet after that, with no more points on the board for either side until 10 minutes left in the first half. The visitors needed something to stay in the game, and while they took their time, they certainly brought it.
MARLEY’S UTILITY VALUE
Marley Chan was a Miss Versatile, swinging across several key positions on the field which helped her side to its narrow win. Chan, Kirra Pamenter’s safety from the wing and Ace Pollock’s aggressive running were godsends for the Falcons in a match that swung in the balance.
FALCONS FLYERS FIGHT BACK
In a pitchforked battle, the speed possessed by the Falcons backs arguably won them the match.
Rapid five-eighth Lily Bain proved an immense attacking presence. She worked diligently to set up her side’s attacking shape for much of the first half.
Bain took matters into her own hands in the 20th minute, weaving her way around outside defenders and cutting back in to burn two more two defenders.
The 40 metre stunner came just at the right time for the Sunshine Coast side.
A new-found fire in the Falcons’ bellies saw them go sniffing on the left side minutes later, with a short ball from second rower Mackenzie Cassar finding pacy centre Tahlee Donald surging through a gap.
Donald’s four-pointer extended the lead to 10-4.
CLYDESDALES CLAIM MAGIC MOMENT
The Falcons ended up winning the war, but the Clydesdales outfit took a small victory back up the range because they produced the highlight try of the match.
To no-one’s surprise it started with magic-maker Nelson. The impressive pivot sent a huge cut out pass towards headgear wearing fullback Hayley Wainwright.
Wainwright skilfully drew in the last line defender before distributing a lovely ball to winger Isabelle Duncombe who then lit up the left sideline in a scorching sprint.
Falcons five-eighth Bain did very well to catch her short of the line, but a post contact pop back to Wainwright saw her stroll through untouched to score under the posts.
Wainwright, a wonderful support player, made it 10-10 with a little over 20 minutes left but Falcons interchange spark plug Zoe Metcalf had the last say.
The pacy utility back evaded the Clydesdales fullback on her way to scoring the go-ahead try which gave the Falcons a leg-up when leading 16-10 heading into the final 10 minutes.
Harvey U19s
Two tries in three minutes by the Falcons were lancing blows as the Sunshine Coast pulled away from the Darling Downs’ girls to win 32-12.
Mia Vines and Dianne Ladewig crossed not long after halftime to turn a pensive 16-6 advantage into a matchwinning break.
Sunshine Coast coach Jack Reed stressed it was a “huge team effort’’ to find a win.
Initially the Clydesdales opened the score when prop Charlotte Collie burrowed over from a close range.
But the Falcons’ response was swift and precise when Bliss Wilkins scored soon after.
A quick play the ball by Makayla Elliott, and swift ruck service by Jessica Cross contributed to edge forward Wilkins crossing.
The outstanding Cross then dashed over from 10m out after a thrilling run by centre Jennifer Ladewig had the Falcons soaring.
Lila Parr’s blistering pace and strength then saw her score after a nice wide blindside move with prop Takoda Thompson.
From an early deficit, the Falcons found themselves ahead at the break.
Clydesdales rake Mia Byrnes was up to her usual tricks when scoring in the second half but the Falcons had three four-point responses up their sleeves and that was game.
In an outstanding team performance, Falcons’ centre Judy Crosby produced an inspired performance from centre with his metre gaining runs while Takoda Thompson was again dangerous with her powerful runs.
Meninga Cup
The Clydesdales outlasted Sunshine Coast 32-22 in a thriller which went down to the wire.
With halfback Jake Durie pulling the strings, the Downs’ scored two crucial second-half tries before the Coast closed the gap to just six points when second rower Malakye Blow crossed less than 10 minutes from full-time.
Like a thief in the night, Clydesdales five-eight Tait Cameron stole the Sunshine Coast’s winning hopes when he scored just two minutes from full time to move clear.
The Clydesdales had the early momentum, then the Falcons fought back heading toward halftime, before the Darling Downs boys marginally won the second half.
The Downs’ boys ran the show early, but a thunderous run by Falcons second rower Myron Taupati-Campbell started the ball rolling for Sunshine Coast.
The powerful edge forward scored after the ball had swept across the face of the tryline.
Then the desperation of Falcon’s No. 13 Zayden Hayburn, chasing a bomb by Koby Brown, helped create a chance for winger Jack O’Hagan whose blistering speed saw him score.
The Falcons’ third try came courtesy of a high kick by Brown, with centre Malakai Charles scooping up the ball and sending his winger Jonathan Schmidt over.
While the Falcons were on a roll, the Clydesdales were able to strike back after half Durie perfectly presented a chip kick which winger Ethan Brose pounced on to score.
MAGIC HANDS
Adam Davis’ hands to create two tries for his winger Ethan Brose should be on the end of season highlight reels.
It was sensational as the Downs’ fullback barely touched the ball on his way to delivering a pass to Matt Drew who put Brose over to score for his first try.
Davis then produced a booming sideline conversion of Brose’s try to give his side a dream 10-0 start against the Falcons.
Then, later in the half, it was like watching a replay as halfback Jake Durie passed to Davis who knocked the ball onto Drew who put Brose over – again.
On both occasions second rower Jett Day had run as a decoy line.
Connell Cup
A superb line from Sunshine Coast’s Makaani Madgwick and an even better flat pass from halfback Cash Bennett was the difference in a frantic Connell Cup clash between the Falcons and Clydesdales.
The Clydesdales led 14-10 for a large part of the second half before Falcons ace Bennett forged a way to the tryline for left edge forward Madgwick.
The Sunshine Coast took a slim two-point lead, 16-14, heading into the final five minutes and found an extra gear to ensure victory after playing down a man at two separate instances.
The Falcons stunned the Clydesdales with a crucial try approaching full time when impressive No. 13 Jett Ryan sealed the deal with a big carry.
He is no stranger to a timely intervention.
Once captain Ryan had his say, the Sunshine Coast led 22-14 and the game was all but over.
Defiant defence from the visitors then ensured the gritty victory, which was all the more impressive considering the sin-binning of Nathan Thomas and Lachlan Starling on either side of half time.
Falcons coach Tim Baldwin was delighted with the way his team dug deep under fatigue.
Ryan again led the way, but he had plenty of helpers, including Ashyr Kelso and Axel Fairfull, while fleet-footed fullback Taj Kuhl was his normal, consistent self.
For the Clydesdales, winger Will Paynter started his team’s sets strongly, while Taj Batty put his shoulder to the grindstone in the middle of the ruck.
FIRST TRY
Earlier, it was the gumption of workhorse lock Alastair MacLachlan that finally broke the shackles of fierce Falcons defence.
The gutsy forward put his head down on the right edge and barged through three defenders to put the first points on the board for the home side.
The MacLachlan show continued in the first half, with the towering lock bursting through the defensive line yet again to produce a 25 metre gain line for his side.
FALCONS BITE BACK – TWICE
Falcons winger Kaidan Jarrett went for a blistering run down the length of the field to produce the first points for his side. He scooped up an errant ball on his own tryline and set the left sideline on fire to score an outstanding solo try.
Jarrett was a key contributor across the match when he sprung in off his wing and went searching for work.
Falcons halfback Bennett went over himself in the 11th minute when he sent three Clydesdales defenders looking the wrong way with a fantastic dummy pass in front of the posts.
He cut back through the middle, surged through clutching defence and found the paint to give the Falcons a 10-4 advantage.
CLYDESDALES COMES BACK AGAIN
With 10 minutes left in the first half, Clydesdales five-eighth Charlie Barnes did what had to be done for the Toowoomba side. The St Mary’s College school captain cut back inside and out-muscled bigger bodies to equalise the scores.
The Clydesdales went bang to make it 14-10 when taking full advantage of a yellow card to Falcons second rower Thomas.
Jack Curtin was the man for the job and a blockbuster second half loomed.
Madgwick and Ryan came up trumps scoring tries in quick succession to pull away.
TIGERS V JETS
Harvey 19s
The Tigers were quick to flush Wednesday’s 22-all draw and return to their winning ways at Langlands Park on Sunday.
Easts rebounded well to claim a 46-nil shutout win over Ipswich and consolidate top billing on the ladder.
The Tigers enjoyed the glut of possession and made Ipswich pay – three times through left centre Sienna Ibrahim who was excellent.
The Tigers took no prisoners early when Ibrahim opened the scoring and the home side kept their foot on the throttle challenging Ipswich’s defence and repelling their attack when it was time to muscle up.
Staunch defensive efforts from Emily Jackwitz, Ella-Jaye Tuala-Leaunoa, Summer Hoet, Ella O’Dea and other Jets players created a vibe where, although the scoreboard indicated otherwise, the Jets were breathing down Easts’ neck.
Indeed the match felt closer than it was.
IBRAHIM’S TRIPLE TREAT OF TRIES
Sienna Ibrahim’s comeback season reached a new high in Easts’ rousing nine-try triumph.
After missing last season recovering from an ACL injury sustained playing rugby 7s for Bond University, the talented Ibrahim had been working her way back to where she left off.
It is safe to say she has arrived.
The Tigers’ attacking prowess was on display for the first try when a sweet left edge move resulted in Ibrahim getting a switch ball from India Seeto.
Ibrahim wove past traffic to plant the ball down in the left corner.
In the second half, Ibrahim was again the beneficiary of Seeto’s sweet playmaking.
Twice Seeto shaped to go inside before releasing a cut-out pass to the in-position-Ibrahim.
She then set off on a dash to the tryline and no one was catching Ibrahim at full speed.
POWER AND FINESSE
The Easts juggernaut kept firing shots late into the game. Powerful edge forward Orianna Clark even crossed on the last play of the game.
Before that, slippery fullback Fleur Ginn was a jinking gem. She scored two tries.
She burst towards the tryline after receiving an offload from Lishainah Ulugia and beat a handful of defenders on her way to scoring. Ginn grabbed another four-pointer approaching full time.
She had the speed and her middle forwards had the strength to build the perfect platform for Seeto and Kameryn Bray to thrive off of.
Sky-Yvette Faimalie, Chloe Maxwell, captain Kayleen Takai and defensive wrecking ball Porche John went crash and bang as Easts relished the game’s physical aspect.
Meninga Cup
Ipswich hooker Harrison Hill produced a masterclass performance as the Jets wrestled over the top of a bold Brisbane Tigers, 30-24, at Langlands Park.
The little No. 9 generated three tries with his service from the ruck – and Ipswich needed everyone of them to withstand a spirited Tigers who had closed the gap to just 22-18 with minutes remaining.
A Melchizedek Nonu try seconds from the siren was the icing on the cake after Ipswich utility Orlando Levi popped a magical flick pass to give Nonu a channel to the line.
HARRISON HILL
Harrison Hill’s delivery of ruck ball either to his outside, or back on the inside, gifted three tries for his forwards Clinton Smith, Mostyn Bowen and Patrick Krause. It was a series of wonderful dummy half plays.
TIGERS’ FIGHT
There was plenty of fight in the Tigers who responded from a 22-6 deficit to challenge hard for victory.
Leading the way in the middle were Jaffahl Skillington and Monte Betham, with Betham receiving the Players Player award.
The effort players like Skllington and Betham were rewarded by the touch footballers like Vantayvius Peo, whose grubber kick for Cooper Benvenuti was the start of a recovery.
It was a comeback which gathered momentum the longer the match went.
Grady Payne’s pass for Levi Rusin to cross accelerated Easts comeback before Montoia Maea’s try from a glorious Kayliss Brown took the home side to the brink of victory.
CAPRAS v CUTTERS
Harvey 17s
The Capras may have scored 28 points, but it was the team’s defence which would have pleased coach Nikki Carpenter most in the 28-4 win against the Cutters.
The unbeaten Capras scored a try as early as the first minute (Jorgie Mitchell) on the way to establishing a 12-nil halftime advantage, which turned into a comprehensive 24-point win.
In the last 10 minutes of the first half, Cutters pounded the opposition’s line. Ruck after ruck, tackle after tackle the Capras withstood the barrage.
It was an outstanding passage of play by the Central Queensland side.
“I liked the whole team’s resilience and determination, especially around our defensive efforts,’’ said Capras’ coach Carpenter.
Isabelle Jensen’s left wing try off her centre Mitchell and Maycee Brown, a barge over try by forward Addison Carylon and Alexis Bukowski’s 34th minute try helped Capras on the way to victory.
Later, Mitchell scored her second try and Charlotte McLean bagged her own four pointer.
The Cutters tried hard, as they always do, and full marks to the leadership of forward Cianna Faulkner who again had a fine match against quality opposition.
Winger Jade Williams scored the Cutters lone try at Rugby Park in Rockhampton.
BROWN’S INFLUENCE
The mobile left edge second rower was threatening on both sides of the ball for the Capras.
She ran as if she was trying to go through a cricket sight screen, while also have the balance and Judgement on when to release the ball on the outside.
Her defence was also telling.
WONDERFUL WOGAND
No. 9 Josie Wogand can be a little unheralded in a Capras side which can score plenty of points, but she is so often the firing pin which sparks her side.
Wogand’s quality of pass from the ruck was outstanding and she can scamper effectively if a marker is asleep.
Wogand also covers the inside runner from scrum loses.
Connell Cup
The Cutters will march into the semi-finals atop their pool after Adam McSherry did it again – this time as a five-eight – in a 46-22 triumph over the Capras.
Twice the masterful McSherry produced devastating show-and-go tries, once from close range in the first half, and on another occasion from 22m out.
An outstanding fullback now playing No. 13, McSherry was moved to five-eight for this match to cover for the unavailable Lachy Brown.
His right edge creation complemented the performance of outstanding halfback Grange Womal.
The Cutters led 22-10 at halftime, and extended the lead when dummy half Eli Cookson, playing first receiver, spotted a gap in behind the ruck defence to score an excellent solo try.
But the class of Capras rake Jay Marsh was never going to be contained for a full match, and his dive over try from the ruck gave his side an outside chance trailing 28-16.
Helping the Cutters stride to victory in the second half was the effective one-two punch of hookers Cookson and Will Hamblin.
HIGHLIGHT TRIES
Big bodied Capras prop Parker Gallagher scored a magnificent tight forward’s try to get his side on the board when displaying speed and agility.
Gallagher could easily have been felled 10m from scoring, but he pushed through the first line, kept his legs pumping and plunged over to score.
There was another highlight courtesy of Grange Womal’s creation of a try for Cutters winger Bailey Smith.
Womal’s grubber kick, and Smith’s handling under extreme pressure, made the touch down his team needed approaching halftime.
Harvey 19s
You can’t coach pace and the finishing speed of rival wingers Leivani Corrie (Cutters) and Lyndell Malone (Capras) were the main highlights in a match won 36-12 by the Cutters.
Corrie’s blazing finish to a move from a centre field scrum lifted her side into the lead, 8-6, after winger Malone had earlier scored her first team’s try.
Neither try would have been scored if the respective wingers did not have the sprinting speed of an athlete.
Corrie’s dazzling kick-return run also set the wheels in motion for her team’s vital fourth try, scored by the explosive Cecilia Misob after support by second rower Ebony Temple.
That pair combined again soon after, with Misob’s finishing power eye-catching.
While the wingers shone, the match was won upfront.
Cutters middle forwards Kiah Apps and Bronte Clothier were outstanding leading up to Shaylee Hazledine’s opening try, with their post contact metres and energy to rise to their feet helping put their fellow forward Hazledine into a try scoring position.
But Hazledine was classy in her execution, running onto Ava Wheeler’s pass then changing her angle to spear back on the inside to score.
CAPRAS GO AROUND CUTTERS
Why go through when you can go around the defence? The Capras had their hands full wrestling free of the physical Cutters forwards, so half Lilla Pratt cleverly decided to go around their rivals inside of through them.
Her long pass to fullback Caydence Fouracre, and then Fouracre’s wide ball to flying winger Lyndell Malone opened up the width of the field, and Malone was fast enough to scurry over in the corner.
Then Fouracre’s sensational sideline conversion put her side ahead 8-6.
SUPER SUB COWLEY – AND MISOB
Selina Cowley has been outstanding all season, and she maintained that high standard by impacting the game in sensational fashion.
The interchange middle forward broke open the match with an awesome try from 12m out, exploding onto the ball and never losing momentum on her way to the tryline which put her side ahead 14-6.
She scored another later in the match, but only after dynamic forward Misob had twice crossed within the space of minutes.
CUTTERS v CAPRAS, Meninga Cup
Two dramatic second half solo tries were the difference as the Cutters pulled marginally away from the Capras to win 24-12.
Centre Zane Elletson and hooker Ryan John cracked the match open with sizzling long distance individual tries that were desperately needed against CQ.
While the Capras’ spirit was not broken, the tries proved a bridge too far for the Rocky-based boys.
Centre Elletson took advantage of attacking from a centre field scrum, rounding his rival and bursting 40m down field to score.
Hooker John, playing at first receiver, then dummied and went for his life, spearing through a hole and racing 35m to score under the posts.
They were two special moments in a tough, grafting affair. Both packs left nothing in the dressing shed, giving their all from start to finish.
Elleston has been a real gem in rough this season, while on the other side of the field the left edge of Joe Doyle, Flynn Battaia and Rylan Misztela were excellent as a unit for Mackay.
Yet again Capras middle men, Josh Nilon and Jake Oberhardt.
BLACKHAWKS V PRIDE
Meninga Cup
The Pride’s bookends were at it again as the FNQ props Kaiden Lahrs and Mafiou Cherif spearheaded their side to 30-16 win over arch rivals Blackhawks.
If ever you’ve seen a young prop bound for the NRL it is Cowboys-signed Kaiden Lahrs, the mobile middle forward whose sense of when to time involvement in the play is profound.
Aside from his street smarts, Lahrs leg drive and mobility make him a handful in age group league.
But he has a running partner in Cherif. The former Ipswich Jets prop was signed by the Cowboys and is running in unison with his front row mate Lahrs.
For the Blackhawks, Terence Mosby and Kyle Bader again stood tall for their side.
ANDERSON HELD THE KEY
Kees Anderson’s foray’s down the left side of the field contributed to the Pride securing a halftime advantage. The fullback timed his runs beautifully into the backs, delivering crisp service which enabled his winger Braith Clubb to score after he had earlier opened the scoring with his own dash to score.
SOUTHS LOGAN v DEVILS
Harvey Norman U17s
The Magpies have conjured a whopping 114 points over the last two games in a stunning showcase of attacking prowess.
Following a 66-4 win over Redcliffe, Souths were able to repeat the dose and raise the bat in a fantastic 50-8 victory over Norths.
The young stars of Logan City continued to shine brightly as goalkicking fullback Janique Mili, crafty halfback Marmie Nati, left centre Afeena Faamafu and lock Alessana Betham brought their A game to Marsden State High.
Nati, Faamafu and Betham were all bottom age players.
The service of hooker Okalani Compton again contributed greatly, while the power of middle forward Mele Misa helped significantly.
MAGPIES MOVE IN
The home side scored five tries on each side of half time and were firing on all cylinders as a unit. Norths’ resurgence and commitment was highlighted in the 24-8 second half score, but the game was won early when Souths got off to a flyer.
The Magpies had too much fire power across the park. Mili’s incursions from the back were telling and she finished with two tries. Her partner in crime, Nati, scored three tries and set up two more.
The masterful Nati has proven hard to read over the past fortnight where she has done a bit of everything – while not overplaying her hand and making the right reads to do as much work as she can for her sharp outside backs.
SOUTHS BACKS AT THEIR BLISTERING BEST
The Magpies started fast to lead 12-0 10 minutes into the contest.
The sight of winger Gloria Isaraelu blazing away down field for a superb 75m solo try put a smile on the dial of Souths supporters.
Isaraelu, who scored four tries last round, picked the ball up 25m out from her tryline and wove through the Norths defence before going the distance.
Souths had their second shortly after when impressive left centre Afeena Faamafu showed what she was all about when wriggling out of a tackle and powering over.
Faamafu scored her second try later in the match after Nati had surged down field before being held up just shy of the tryline by a defiant Leilani Short (Norths winger).
DÉJÀ VU
In round 5 Souths halfback Nati was a nuisance with her ball playing.
She was dangerous in attack again and 15 minutes in her trusty dummy and go yielded another four-pointer. It was a mirror image of last week where she sliced through Redcliffe’s defence in a similar fashion.
Moments later Souths took a 20-0 lead when they scored a 70m stunner off the kick restart.
Lock Alessana Betham, who was in everything, made a wonderful late pass at the line which sent Mele Misa through a hole. The inspirational middle forward then drew in Norths’ fullback and popped the ball inside to Janique Mili who scored.
Souths went into the second half with victory all but wrapped up, leading 26-4 after hooker Okalani Compton cashed in for a try of her own.
Mili, Betham. Nati, dummyhalf Compton and Faamafu each scored in the second stanza for Souths. For Norths, damaging right edge forward Simaima Vainga and exhaustive rake Paige Stagg scored.
Harvey 19s
The Devils mounted a dramatic snatch and grab mission to unseat Souths Logan at Marsden State High.
The Devils won 24-22 after withstanding a surging Souths side which finished with three tries in the final nine minutes.
Elite half Danielle-Elizabeth Tutakangahau twice scored, while middle forward Eden Tutakangahau, her sister, plunged over in the final moments.
But Norths hung on for a thrilling two-point victory.
The Devils established a 20-nil lead after storming out of the gates to land four tries in the opening 20 minutes.
“Even though Souths won the second half, the girls dug deep to stay in the grind,’’ Devils coach Tasha Davie said.
But Souths’ second half resurgence was too little too late.
The visitors had started with vigour when Selupevaelei Sipaia scored quickly to thrust Souths onto the back foot.
The girls in blue backed that up with three more tries in the 20 minutes that followed to take a 20-0 lead into the second stanza.
Left centre Eva Steers, prop powerhouse Fanua Rimoni and captain Riana Le’afa-Paki all crossed to task Souths with an almost impossible comeback job.
The home side came out of the break with an immediate response when Harlem Walker crashed over but the ever-reliable Courtney Tyrell (Norths winger) returned serve to keep Souths at an arm’s length heading into the final quarter.
Meninga Cup
Souths have upped the ante after a slow start saw them lose their first three games.
The Magpies claimed their second straight victory on Saturday, defeating a high-class Norths outfit 44-18 at Marsden State High.
David Bryenton nailed six-from-eight kicks at goal, Cairns kid Elsiyah Laumatia scored a double and Magpies props Fa’apale Feaunati, Dirhys Sefo and Xzavier Timoteo worked well in tandem to take charge at home.
Norths had found the scoreboard first through jinking five-eight Jahrel Iselin-Jansen before Souths served up a sensational response scoring three tries in 10 minutes.
Feaunati, Sefo and destructive left centre Joey Tupuse all bounded over but Tupuse’s 60m stunner was a real treat for supporters.
Souths were leading 18-4 when Norths conjured up an impressive response when DJ Talaepa struck down field to score after a break from Iselin-Jansen.
The home side were quick to reply and their response came in the form of a Laumatia double.
The mobile big man breezed past defenders to land one try on each side of the half and stretch Logan’s lead to 24 points.
From there, Norths rallied hard and both Sonny Herdegen (hooker) and Tyrese Tavao (winger) scored but the damage was done.
Souths hooker Xzandah Henaway and pacy fullback Saia Poese returned serve as Souths did all game to settle the scores at 44-18 and head into a round 7 fixture against the Falcons with their tails up.
For Norths, Keyarn Pene again tried hard, while pacy edge forward Duquan Talaepa and Carter Welfare maintained a high standard.
Connell Cup
Hayden Madders, Hayden Polson and Harry Bate led the way as the Devils tasted victory, and a big win at that, for the first time since round 1.
Playing away at Marsden, the Devils beat Souths Logan 44-4, letting in just one try early when Souths winger Lexin Hill sprung clear. But from there it was one way traffic.
Props Polson and Bate ran the middle of the field as Norths scored four tries on each side of the half to come away comprehensive 40-point winners.
The boys in blue were clinical and powerful when opportunities arose.
From Ethan Grimshaw’s stunning try on the left edge to Ben Hanning’s fantastic try late in the game on the right, Norths delivered highlight after highlight in the 44-point explosion.
At the epicentre was a new halves pairing in Wavell SHS duo Hayden Madders and Timahna Tandy.
The pair put Souths to the sword and the likes of fullback Boston Nau, impressive centre James Grey and finally Hanning were all beneficiaries.
There was plenty to like about Souths’ grit and physicality but Norths seemed unstoppable at times when the ball swung from hooker Lisiate Fa’aoso to lock Lincoln Dalton and then out the back to Rolls Royce backs Grimshaw, Grey, Nau and quicksilver winger Rauluni.
When the game was still up for grabs in the first half, Norths prop Harry Bate proved a tackling terror.
He forced two knock-ons and held down the middle like his life depended on it. Leading the way on the edges was Billy Spicer and Taoso Taoso.
JETS v BULLS
Harvey 17s
The Jets finished at the speed of light, bounding past a gallant Bulls’ to win 46-nil.
The Jets scored 32 points in the second half after Wide Bay had struggled bravely to keep the scoreboard in check.
Ipswich centre Briella Gray scored the first of her tries by taking advantage of a centre field scrum which opened up space on the left hand side of the field.
Ebony-Rose Te Kura then bulldozed her way over for two tries, one from the ruck, and then another try from a 20 burst past nervous defenders.
But the Bulls girls rallied, keeping their rivals to 14 points at the break before the Jets proved too big, and too fit in the second half.
When brilliant hooker Tahli Flux crossed for Ipswich 10 minutes into the second half, the flood gates opened.
Connell Cup
A gutsy Bulls outfit went nine rounds with Ipswich before the Jets won the last quarter of the Connell Cup bout.
The Jets won 28-6, but at no stage comprehensively got away from their willing rivals.
That said, Ipswich were never in danger of defeat.
The Jets were out of the gates like a slingshot and benefiting from a potent left edge attacking formation which twice saw winger Tomi Wilson cross after his halfback Lachlan Martin had backed that side of the field.
But Wide Bay dug deep, battling away in defence and making Ipswich work for their success.
It took the soft hands of outstanding second rower Innocent Baruani to create the Jets’ third try, with his pass setting in motion a right edge rush that finished with winger Harlem Tamalii scoring.
Still the Bulls fought on, returning Ipswich’s lead to 16-6 after Thomas Taipari pushed off the sight screen before barrelling over for an inspiring try.
The Bulls continued to slug it out, earning a hard earned 22 point win.
TWEED v BURLEIGH
Harvey U17s
Tweed’s Torah Luadaka was the game breaking player as semi-final day came early in the Harvey U17s competition on Sunday during a Gold Coast classic against Burleigh Bears.
Despite special efforts from Burleigh pair Chezaan Kainui, Olivia Filikitonga and Jayda Collins, Tweed wriggled out of many tight spot to win 22-20 after a late try by hooking ace Diamond Graham. Luadaka then kicked the winning conversion.
Luadaka, who earlier in the half scored a sensational 85m solo try, made the match winning try possible with her speed ruck run and play the ball, an effect cherished by the quick afoot Graham.
Burleigh should have led 20-nil in the first half and did lead 12-6 in the second half before two tries in four minutes by Tweed midway through the second half swung the match completely.
Luadaka’s runaway try, and another to elite No. 13 Affrica-Jade Hippi, put Tweed ahead 16-12 only for Burleigh two strike successive blows to take the lead.
The Seagulls’ defensive scramble, and Luadaka’s class, were the difference in a high class game worthy of a grand final.
“I am very happy with their tenacity and ability to stay in the fight the whole way,’’ said Tweed coach Veronica White.
GOLDEN TRY
Torah Luadaka does it again. The Tweed halfback single-handedly turned the tide of the match with a blazing 85 solo try that few in the competition could have scored.
Taking advantage of a Burleigh lost ball, the Keebra Park SHS No. 7 angled across the field and then went whoosh, racing 85m past several defenders to score and solo try for the ages.
INTERCHANGE ACES
Tweed pair Milla Rogers and Sophia Siulepa produced momentum altering performances, with their quick running and play the balls adding to the Seagulls’ surging finish.
OLIVIA’S IMPACT
The Bears started the match with a golden try effort, finished by Isabella Brown but started by No. 13 Olivia Filikitonga.
There had been a subtle exchange of passing among the forwards, which moved the ball wider to a rampaging Filikitonga.
Chezaan Kainui then loomed up in support, found centre Genesis Tupa’i who put her winger Brown over in the corner. It was a beautifully rehearsed piece of rugby league.
TRY SAVING TRIFECTA
How Burleigh winger Brown did not score a few minutes after crossing for the opening try is anyone’s guess, after remarkable cover defending efforts by second rower Avalon Price and five-eight Lacey Pedlow.
It was amazing how that pair peeled Brown back into the field of play after she had actually made it over the line.
Then, not long after, a left side shift by Burleigh ended in the hands of winger Jaia Flores who was also prevented from scoring after a remarkable joint effort by Tweed centre Eadee Damro and fullback Lacey McLaren.
Then, as halftime approached, Burleigh’s top potato hands led to a movement which culminated in five-eight Kainui launched herself at the line, only to be denied by the desperation of Tweed pair Taharnee Byrnes and Pedlow.
TWEED v BURLEIGH
Harvey U19s
Bella Thompson scored a 99m try, but it was the Tweed Seagulls’ forwards who had the last laugh winning 28-12.
Thompson looked like a 100m dash at the state track and field championships as she blasted away from the chasing Seagulls’ flock.
But it was Tweed’s pack who had all the answers, laying the foundation for a six try performance.
Mikalah Teale surged off the bench to add pepper and salt to Tweed’s middle forward performance which had been spearheaded by mobile prop Saskia Croyston and also Kaliyah Browning.
It was a bruising forward confrontation between the packs and Teale, Croyston and Browning loved every minute of it.
While Burleigh’s Thompson added the bubble and fizz to the match with her speed, she also put her body on the line while dummy half Nadia Windleborn was tough in the middle.
Prop Grace King also put in a huge effort in the ruck on both sides of the ball while Brianna Toopi was solid on the edge.
“I am very proud of the effort,’’ said Burleigh coach Kenny Hargreaves, who watched his side play three games in seven days, two of which were against the favourites.
RIGHT SIDE WONDERS
Right side wonders Savannah Roberts-Hickling and Joshalynn Walker finished in style to reward their team with tries as Tweed went to the edges in a bid to use the squad’s considerable speed.
But it was an unlikely right side raid by second rower Kiara Wright which netted her a 75m try.
She rumbled her way into the clear, and when caught 30m out, she got up and went again after not being held. It was an unexpected long range burst by Wright who has probably never run that far before to score.
TWEED v BURLEIGH
Connell Cup
Not even the brilliance of Cornelius Kelsall or the finishing horsepower Kingston Seve could knock Tweed off course as the Seagulls found the winning post by 20-16 against Burleigh.
The Gold Coast classic was everything it was hyped up to be, featuring hurtful, unrelenting defence, guts and grit and plenty of footy magic as well.
Tweed won the day on the strength of its sparkling start which saw the Seagulls lead 16-nil before banking on their defence to bring them home.
This was despite a Seve double, one a rampaging performance from close range, and the other a long distance affair after fullback Kelsall had sparked the movement.
Later, Kelsall scored the try of the match, exploding 60m through the teeth of the ruck to score next to the posts.
Kelsall was outstanding, as was Bears’ No. 13 Tupou Francis who continued to impress.
BILISH’S BOBBY DAZZLER
Burleigh were back in the match trailing 10-16 when Tweed hooker Jai Bilish and Austin Desmond executed a beautiful switch in play around the ruck which saw Desmond storm from the open side to the blindside at top speed.
Under fatigue, Bilish did well to pick the sprinting Desmond up with his pass, leading to a try which the Tweed desperately needed.
Meninga Cup
The Tweed Seagulls outlasted the Bears 18-12 in a frantic yet fantastic ‘battle of the coast’ skirmish at Burleigh Leagues Club.
In a blockbuster derby which delivered in spades, the boys from south of the border won by the skin of their teeth in a match so tight, conversions were the difference.
Tweed playmaker Zane Harrison, who had a steady hand in attack, nailed all three of his kicks at goal to give his side a six-point advantage and ultimately be the difference in a bruising battle won on the defensive end.
Tweed’s defence reigned supreme late in the match when Burleigh sought an equalising blow. Tweed led 18-12 after exhaustive lock Cooper Bai, Josh Donovan and Taylan To’a had each scored tries in the first stanza.
Burleigh’s outside back duo of Saxon Innes and Phillip Coates (two tries) scored the points for the home side to set up a tense second half which had supporters leaning forward in anticipation.
Anticipation, kick chase pressure and safe hands were three things which played a big role in Tweed’s protection of a slim lead.
It was the titanic defence, pressure, communication and all-round effort from the Seagulls that saw them squeeze home and keep their unbeaten streak intact.
Leading the charge in that category was Tweed’s right centre Sunny Kama, fullback Ray Puru and impressive big man Bai.
It took a team effort to keep Tweed in the lead and it took an even bigger effort from the likes of Kama and Puru to ensure they stayed in front.
The work rate of Kama was out of this world and it was just what the doctor ordered in a game which could have gone either way. His chasing of Harrison and Javon Andrews’ kicks, defensive line speed and decision making and willingness to get involved and run the ball gave Tweed a big boost when the going got tough.
Earlier in the match, big Bai was a bruising customer in attack. In defence he had plenty of help in Bodhi Sharpley, Cruz Dangerfield and Isaac Harrison.
It is no walk in the park preventing a side like Burleigh, which possesses so much strike across the park, from scoring in the final 35 minutes.
Light-footed fullback Innes, mobile big man Marley Igasan, the boundless Jett Bryce and towering centres Antonio Verhoeven and Coates asked questions late into the game but Tweed seemed to have an answer every time.
Adding to the excitement of such a spectacle was the disallowing of tries to Bryce (Burleigh) and Hadley Smith (Tweed) who were both unlucky not to be awarded for being relentless.
DOLPHINS v WYNNUM MANLY
Harvey U19s
Redcliffe grasped bragging rights for another 12 months when the Dolphins’ defence paved the way for a bruising bayside derby win over Wynnum Manly.
Blockbusting Dolphins lock Bernadette Papani put the result to bed 90 seconds from full-time when an individual try that doused the Seagulls fightback. Redcliffe won 20-8.
Wynnum Manly trailed 14-nil, but one of the traits of this side during 2025 has been its fight and tenacity. But 14-nil became 14-4 which became 14-8 into the second half when Wynnum five-eight Maaria Elkington created a try for Taya Bowie.
Redcliffe’s second half defence should also be praised, because there were times when Wynnum threw everything but the water bucket at their rivals.
First half highlights included:
+ Rivers Hicks’ run and beautifully timed pass to put Reegan Hicks into a gap which led to Tia Molo scoring;
+ Ruby Bezgovsek’s tackle for Redcliffe which somehow stopped Wynnum’s Maaria Elkington from scoring;
The scramble and desire of Wynnum Manly to stay in the fight despite never being ahead on the scoreboard;
+ Ariana Henderson’s creation of Wynnum’s first try, scored by winger KC Campbell which reduced Redcliffe’s lead to 14-4.
DOLPHINS v WYNNUM MANLY
Harvey U17s
The Redcliffe Dolphins roared to a stunning 44-4 win, racing in eight tries to beat Wynnum Manly.
With dummy half Ellie Walker distributing the ball expertly around her own runs, halves Jazmin Askew and Lenore Georgetown released the ball with precision to the edge players and backs.
Centres Ofa Kalauta and Liliana Nati had big games, while fullback Sinalei Tupu was rewarded with her anticipation and desire to be involved.
DOLPHINS v WYNNUM MANLY
Connell Cup
Talk about leaving the best until last. In the final seconds of the traditional bout between bayside rivals Wynnum Manly and Redcliffe, the Seagulls centre Dean Tauaa scored a bell ringer of a try that will make the season’s highlight packages for sure.
Retrieving a stray pass near the right hand sideline, Tauaa cut back into the middle of the field, straightened and put the afterburners to score from 40m out.
Six would be-tacklers received whip burn as he roared past on his way to scoring.
It was a special moment in a match won 42-10 by Wynnum over the Dolphins.
TAUKOLO’S TIMING
Barry Taukolo continued to up the ante in his development this season, and his timing could not be better with the finals just around the corner.
An eye-catching performer was again fullback Taukolo, a subtle link player and stylish runner who is growing into his game.
He bobbed up both sides of the field to be involved in the first try for Bailen Noy, the fourth try for Devine Timu and the seventh try to Dean Tauaa. Taukolo also scored himself.
Second rower Majah-Jose Peachey was also a focal point, and twice off the back of his runs and quick ruck ball, Wynnum Manly were able to score.
It was no surprise to see Peachey score himself in the second half after five-eight Jordan Hotere had taken the ball to the line and passed.
CASH’S COURAGE
They make them tough on the Wynnum Manly bayside. That’s for sure.
Seconds after the Seagulls’ forward spiritual leader and local junior Daniel Cash was knocked across the chops, he was plunging over next to the posts to have the last laugh in his team’s win.
Cash had stormed onto a pass by his sharp hooker Ezekiel Jones, surging off the back of Atunaisa Veetutu’s play the ball and in behind a dummy run from prop Christian Rivers before crossing around the posts.
It was not to be the last time Jones’ crisp work around the ruck brought gains for his side, helped by middle forwards Cash and Franck Iraguha.
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