GCDRU 2020: PBC survive four yellow cards to triumph over Helensvale in GCDRU thriller

The Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators repelled a Helensvale invasion of the south coast with a desperate final stand on their own goal line.

The Great Wall of PBC. Picture edited.

The Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators repelled a Helensvale invasion of the south coast with a desperate final stand on their own goal line.

PBC survived four yellow cards, including two in the final five minutes, to hold out the defending champions 39-35 at home.

With 13 men on the field Palm Beach’s defence held up the matchwinning try over the line, bringing on full-time and preserving their place in second on the ladder.

Winger Sailasa Bakata scored a hat-trick for the Alleygators that would prove decisive in a seesawing affair.

The Great Wall of PBC. Picture edited.

Gators rugby manager Michael Bell said his side had been fortunate to hold out a Hogs outfit every bit as good as their reputation suggested.

“To knock Helensvale off is a big notch in our belt to add on to the list of teams we’ve beaten,” Bell said.

“They’re not going to give up their premiership too easy, they’re a good side playing good football.

“They were down 19-6 and came back to be in front 32-22. “That shows you’re the quality they’ve got and the belief in each other.

“It’s going to take one hell of a team to take that trophy out of Helensvale that’s for sure.”

PBC rode a wave of possession to shoot out to a 19-6 lead midway through the first half before Helensvale rebounded to enter the sheds ahead 20-19 on enemy territory.

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Two yellow cards to PBC helped Helensvale grow that lead to 32-22 before returning players helped carry the Alleygators back with three tries to hit the lead.

Action pictures from Gold Coast Eagles v PBC Alleygators Rugby Union Trial Match. Andrew Vatuvei. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Repeat infringements on their own line saw another two Gators sent from the field but iron-clad defence held firm for a thrilling win.

“We held them out when it counted most,” Bell said.

“The resolve to back each other was the most impressive.

“We weren’t dropping heads when guys got done for repeat infringements, we rolled up our sleeves.

“These are the guys you want in the trenches next to you.”

Knights rolled through Crushers 55-21, Surfers pipped Pirates 30-21 and Bulls defeated Eagles 31-24.