Runaway Bay Seagulls defeat Tugun Seahawks 24-22 after Jake Powell sideline conversion

A Jordan Kahu-like brainfade and a Jake Powell sideline conversion has helped Runaway Bay snatch a 24-22 victory from under Tugun’s noses in Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade.

A JORDAN Kahu-like brainfade and a Jake Powell sideline conversion has helped Runaway Bay snatch a 24-22 victory from under Tugun’s noses in Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade.

Bay actually led deep into the game on Sunday at Bycroft Oval until the Seahawks scored with about three minutes to go.

With time running out, the home side opted for a short kick-off – and it’s then when fans started flashing back to Kahu’s infamous 2017 error to pick up a Bulldogs dropout that hadn’t travelled the required 10m, resulting in a penalty that swung the game back Canterbury’s way.

“We went for a short 10m and it didn’t quite make it but their centre didn’t know the rules – you’re not supposed to touch the ball (if it hasn’t gone 10m) so we got a penalty,” Bay coach Nick Gleeson said.

Jake Powell (middle). Picture: Glenn Hampson

Two tackles later and a backline movement saw Ben Fritz cross in the right corner to tie the scores.

Up stepped Powell, a prolific points-scoring winger, to calmly nail the match-winner.

“We got lucky there in the end, scoring on the hooter but I suppose you create your own luck,” Gleeson said.

SHEARERS SEAL DROUGHT-BREAKING WIN

“Overall, I’m not entirely happy. Both coaches would be pleased with the effort but our execution was poor.”

Bay coach Nick Gleeson (left). Picture: Mike Batterham

Gleeson labelled returning halfback Steve Rooney as “the big difference.”

“His kicking game is better than anyone in the comp and on a hot day, his kicking game going 50m on the fly into open space, it just killed their forward pack,” he said.

Bay have the bye next weekend, after which they will welcome back forwards Daniel Palavi and Doryaan Hape Apiata.

Tugun are now 0-2.

Burleigh defeated Currumbin 28-8 despite having to make eight changes from their Round 2 side.