Meninga, Connell Cup and Harvey Norman U17 and U19 girls league round 5 report
Meninga, Connell Cup and Harvey girls round 5 latest from Sunday’s matches included Wynnum’s try of the season, moves from title contenders and a clean sweep of wins by Souths.
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The Harvey Norman U17 heavyweights Souths Logan and the Tigers flexed their considerable muscle to send a warning shot to rivals, while Wynnum Manly scored the try of the season despite losing to the Bears.
On a wonderful day of Meninga, Connell Cup and Harvey girls clashes, the Magpies flew to 66 points when beating Redcliffe and the Tigers managed 50 points on their way to win against Tweed Seagulls.
SPEED DEMONS: MENINGA, CONNELL AND HARVEY GIRLS
UNSUNG HEROES: MENINGA, CONNELL and HARVEY GIRLS
And in a trip down memory lane, Souths Magpies had a four game clean sweep of Redcliffe at Davies Park. More below.
Wynnum’s Hayley Bush also created a golden try against Burleigh in the U19s, despite her team suffering a defeat.
More on those games below, along with a wrap of Saturday’s battles between Capras and Pride, Ipswich and the Clydesdales and also Falcons against both the Bulls and Norths.
BURLEIGH v WYNNUM MANLY
Harvey 17s
The Burleigh Bears’ defence was excellent as the Gold Coast girls rose to an 24-nil win over
a plucky Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Kougari Oval.
If they were giving out points for endeavour, the Wynnum U17s would be near the top of the table, although the team’s execution was well off today.
But the better side won, and won well. The Bears’ dummy half running around the ruck put pressure on the Seagulls’ line, generating field position which helped winger Isabella Brown and robust left second rower Sharleen-Marie McGregor-Kawana to cross.
Around the speed of the back five and hooker Jayda Collins, strong running Madeline Frazer and mobile No. 13 Desiyah Leef also rose before interchange forwards Seneisha Hepi and Psalm Risati-Isaako had their say. Leef deservedly scored a try.
With the ball halfback Jae-Jae Wickliffe and No. 9 Collins expertly took their side around the paddock, while fullback Jaida Flores worked hard for the winners.
“We showed some character today,’’ said coach Dave Izzard in relation to his team’s defence.
GOLDEN HANDS
There were golden hands galore early on in the match. Firstly Paige Adams displayed amazing control to field a bomb before being unlucky to lose possession in the tackle, and then from the restart Burleigh worked gloriously through the hands to enable winger Isabella Brown to cross.
Halfback Jae-Jae Wickliffe twice handled, as the ball sung through the line via Mia McKenzie and Jaida Flores on its way to Brown who scored.
PAIGE’S PURSUIT
Twice Adams saved tries with cover defence.
Initially she produced the tackle of the game when she ran down runaway Burleigh centre Mia McKenzie who had sensationally caught the kick-off and raced down field. McKenzie seemed certain to score, but Adams came from the other side of the field to grapple her to the ground.
Then in the second half she saved another try after the Bears were off and running.
SUMNER DEFENCE RULES
In summer heat Wynnum Manly left second rower Summer Thorne held the line with tough, front on tackling. She also worked rivals over in the ruck and gave the Burleigh side some of their own medicine.
Harvey 19s
Burleigh Bears may have won the war 30-8, but Wynnum Manly won some of the battle with a golden try nomination in its loss at Kougari Oval.
While the speed of Bears’ hooker Nadia Windleborn and the guile of halfback Zali Bettridge helped direct Burleigh to a win, it was a try by Charlotte Wells which had pundits talking.
Wynnum half Maaria Elkington hoisted a midfield bomb from 65m out, and remarkably a sprinting Bush caught it on the full.
She was tackled, but flung up a pass to the supporting Lili Douglas who again found Bush who had somehow rebounded to her feet to be a support player. Bush’s pass then found Wells who sprinted to the corner. That, ladies and gentleman, was the best try we’d see this season.
It then took a 50m intercept try by Bears’ five-eight Te Hokowhitu-Wynne, and then an opportunist 95m try by winger Samara Mackay-D, to completely douse Wynnum’s challenge.
DYNAMIC DUO
One strength of the Bears is the one-two dummy half play of starting No. 9, Nadia Windleborn, and then No. 14 Elizabeth Ngahe. Ngahe caused grief with her footwork, while Windleborn is quick and direct with a lovely pass. Their performances helped centre Brianna Toopi and edge forward Maia Ngauamo to get into the game.
TEXTBOOK BEARS
Burleigh’s use of both sides of the field was a feature. As dogged as Wynnum’s players were, the Bears’ ball movement left and right through both halves put pressure on the Seagulls’ - team play which was best evidenced when Burleigh fullback Sharlize Hamilton started the second half running off five-eight Nivea Te Hokowhitu-Wynne
EXPLOSIVE START
There was an explosive start by the home side, with supporters cheering the outstanding Charlotte Wells on a 45m run to the line after a beautiful pass by Bush.
But after a try saving tackle by Seagulls’ second rower Rylee Aspinall on her opposite Liarna Barber-Salvation, exciting Burleigh centre Brianna Toopi restored law and order with a wonderful try and the visitors were on their way to victory
Connell Cup
A Harvey Smith field goal was the difference as the Bears side stormed from behind to win 17-16 against Wynnum.
Smith nailed the one point in the 53rd minute after his side had surged from a 10 point deficit to draw level.
It was a somewhat ugly win by Burleigh, but the players desire to defend errors certainly helped the Bears on the road to victory.
Burleigh’s fast finishing effort was propelled along by a golden three minutes when the Bears secured tries to Tyrell Schwenke and Simione Tauelangi.
All this after Wynnum Manly started strongly when inform second rower Majah-Jose Peachey crashed over.
Not long after right centre Dean Tauaa exploded across to score as Wynnum swept to a 10-nil break.
Not surprisingly, captain and No.13 Tupou Francis was strong throughout.
But carries by Kingston Seve and Tyrell Schwenke, an accomplished winger effort by Fynn Laffranchi and nice touches from halves Smith and Murray Phillips also carried their side along.
If they were giving our gold stars for workrate, then Burleigh hooker Axel Friend would have been first in line - and second in line would have been Wynnum Manly prop Koby McGarrity.
McGarrity was outstanding and a great example to his teammates.
Meninga Cup
Everyone knows that Saxon Innes can run, rabbit run. He is, after all, arguably the fastest player in the competition.
But it was Innes’ left side passing game which undid Wynnum Manly and helped send the visitors back down the M1 reflecting on a 32-8 win.
In conjunction with outstanding halfback Dallas Ingram, Innes helped give towering winger Disharne Tonihi the chance to score three first half tries.
Innes’ distribution to his outside men added an exciting dimension to an impressive Burleigh side which will challenge hard for the premiership.
SEA OF BODIES
The game was then put to bed when Burleigh prop Tavake Tau’a’alo somehow grounded the ball around a sea of bodies, raising his side to a 26-4 advantage midway through the second half.
Bears hooker Cooper Humphreys then created a try for his prop Marley Igasan in classical fashion after Humphreys saw both markers off side in the ruck.
TWEED v TIGERS
Meninga Cup
Timely tries by Tweed zapped Easts of hard-earned momentum in a convincing 32-14 victory at Langlands Park.
The Seagulls ran in two quick tries just shy of half time to jump out to a 16-4 lead. They scored first in the second half to put a canyon between the two sides and then when Easts responded with a great try, Tweed went bang bang to seal the deal.
When high-flying Easts fullback Harri Armstrong rose to score a deft chip kick from his five-eight Pouakai Jackson-Williams, Tweed only led 22-10 and the game was up for grabs again.
Sure enough, unsung hooker Hadley Smith wriggled his way over less than five minutes later to move further clear.
Then, to nail the coffin shut, mobile big man Torino Jackson shed a tackle on his way to scoring Tweed’s sixth try which made it 32-10.
The vision and confidence of rake Smith to go himself from the ruck base was important because it moved Tweed ahead more than two converted tries and it put a line through Armstrong’s superb try.
Easts scored another pearler on the hooter when Dom Ierome planted a grubber from hooker Kayliss Brown but the war had been won.
CRAFTY HARRISON HURTS HOME SIDE
Rising star Zane Harrison had the perfect response to put out dangerous Tigers momentum which mounted when level at 4-all in the early going.
Tigers fullback Joe McGahan was robbed of a try in the left corner when the referee ruled a double movement. Easts almost had another try when a high kick from Grady Payne was contested in the air by Ryder Koia and Tweed’s Beau Hartmann but Tweed came away with the ball. Before long they led 10-4 when Harrison implemented his running game.
The crafty half caught the ball 40m out before a nice dummy and pass to Jye Watton put the big man through. Harrison was then smart enough to stay in support on an inside line and receive the last pass from Watton to stroll over untouched.
A few minutes later Harrison was at the epicentre again for Tweed, kicking across the field to Taylan To’a who leapt into the air and tapped the ball back to fullback Dylan Watkins.
Watkins was quick to propel himself toward the tryline and slam the ball down under the black dot.
In the blink of an eye, Tweed went from being on the back foot and tied at 4-4 to leading 16-4 approaching half time.
40M DASH BY DYLAN
Tweed moved further into the clear when Mr Reliable Dylan Watkins scored his second try to twist the knife early in the second half.
The Tigers had to be the ones to score first but when Watkins spotted space in behind the ruck he moved quickly and had success.
The Palm Beach Currumbin SHS senior, who made the most of his starting role in the absence of Ray Puru, darted 40m from the ruck base and went over untouched.
It was like a rehearsed beach sprint and it was by no means easy. His quick feet evaded the last line of defence and the Seagulls were soaring, ahead 22-4 with 25 minutes to go.
Timely tries from Smith and Jackson then put Tweed out of reach.
Harvey 17s
The imposing Brisbane Tigers fired a shot across the bow of premiership contenders with a 50-6 blitz of a skilled Tweed side at Langlands Park.
While the Tweed side showcased brilliant ball skills, speed on tap, and were dauntless in taking it to the line of a much bigger team, the Tigers were simply too brilliant and dominant.
Renowned for being a power side, what the Tigers brought in brawn they matched in brain.
You knew they were onsong early when the opening try came from a wicked flick pass from Tigers lock Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell, setting up bulldozer prop Te Ahurei Latu to claim the first points for the day after a 10 minute tussle with the Tweed side.
Tweed were well served by centre Eadee Damro and No. 13 Avalon Price, but the Tigers had big match performers all over the field.
Seagulls five-eight Lacey Pedlow, moved into No.6, also did well in defence and would have learned a lot on the run.
BATTLE FOR THE BEST
Arguably the two most dynamic players of the day, Tigers centre Taofinuu and the consistently impressive Tweed fullback Lacey McLaren went head to head in a thrilling footrace in the second half.
The speed and athleticism of the pair was highlighted when a show and go from elusive Taofinuu bested two Tweed defenders, finding herself in a blazing footrace with the gusty fullback who crossed the field to take her down 30 metres out.
PROP TAKES OFF
Tigers prop Carayanidis Ta’Akimoeaka-Pulu was immense all game with huge hits and powerhouse carries that would be expected of a prop of her calibre.
But it was late in the second half that the prop showed off another talent, giving the wingers a run for their money with a 40m runaway try. The powerhouse prop sliced through two Tweed defenders to streak down the sideline and score her second for the day with only minutes left in the game.
The blitzing run from the biggest ball runner on field summed up the versatility of East’s talents perfectly.
GOLDEN TRY
The Tigers scored plenty of tries, but the team’s second touchdown was a sign of things to come.
The Tigers sucked in Tweed’s defence in the middle with three hard runs just short of the paint, before they shifted to the left with speed and accuracy that gained them a three-player overlap. This left centre Leilani Taofinuu untouched on her way to the line. It was a superb finish to a textbook play from the Easts' side.
SOUTH COAST DERBY LOOMS
“We knew this was going to be a tough contest. Our lack of training over the last three weeks didn’t do us any favours, but the girls know what the benchmarks are,’’ said Tweed coach Veronica White. “It is a new week ahead and we are really looking forward to the battle of the South Coast (with Burleigh).”
Harvey 19s
The Easts Tigers bounded to a wonderful 28-10 win over Tweed Seagulls at Langlands Park.
Spearheaded by a willing forward pack, the Tigers were able to generate 28 points after some snap crackle and pop from dangerous duo five-eighth Kameryn Bray and halfback India Seeto.
Winger Aaliyah Frescon-Sheppard, centre Sienna Ibrahim, half India Seeto and forwards Kayleen Takai, Lishainah Ulugia and Lorren Ieli led the way, while Grace Maxwell was powerful for Tweed alongside of Kaliyah Browning and Mikalah Teale.
FORWARDS LEAD THE WAY
Easts forwards were instrumental in paving the win for the, with second rowers Chloe Maxwell and Orianna Clark making their mark with bulldozing runs through the middle.
The brute force of Easts prop Porche John was also on full display in the second half.
She made run after run at Tweed’s defensive line, bumping off players with ease and getting right back up again for the next. She was rewarded late in the second half when she charged through four defenders to score just left of the posts.
HALFBACKS GO HEAD TO HEAD
Both sides boasted spectacular performances from their halfbacks, with Tiger’s captain Seeto and Tweed’s Natalia Hickling producing displays of expert footy IQ, slick passes and explosive footwork.
Alongside her own two tries, Seeto set up the first try of the day, sending an impressive 15m cut-out to winger Rosa-Millan Lefono, who charged through the line to score.
Her defensive tenacity was also impressive, with several big hits earning cheers from the East’s stands.
HICKLING MAGIC
Hickling was pure magic as per usual for Tweed, delivering a beautiful try at the end of the first half to stretch her side’s lead 10-4. Just 30m out, she found a gap between two defenders, burst through the left side and cut into the middle to beat another before striding out to claim a try under the posts.
Her defensive efforts were equally impressive, managing to stop the dynamic Easts
second rower Orianna Clark twice in her tracks despite being one of the smaller players on the field.
Connell Cup
TWEED WIN ARM WRESTLE
Kalani Patu was a powerhouse as his Tweed Seagulls managed to come out on top in a 60 minute arm-wrestle with the Tigers, crawling to a 16-6 win built on plenty of grit.
After both teams scored within the first 10 minutes, the match settled down into a dour, hard fought affair that was not decided until a try seconds from full-time.
Patu’s damaging running and strong defence helped shift the match ever so slightly his team’s way, while Jyah White’s dangerous attacking play aided Tweed’s performance.
As usual, Tweed hooker Jai Bilish was outstanding with his decision making from the ruck.
TIT FOR TAT
When one team seemed to gain momentum and edge ahead, a second later it was lost.
Something needed to happen, and luck was on the side of the visitors. Tiger’s fumbled attempt to catch Tweed’s highball in front of the posts was capitalised by Tweed second rower Kalani Patu, who scooped it up and claimed the points that his side desperately needed.
With that, the tide turned again, and some new-found gusto returned to the Tweed side.
NAILBITER FINISH
In what would have been the try of the match, a breakaway run from Tweed winger Basil Coates saw a blistering chase by Tigers fullback Cooper Murray, who took down his opponent just shy of the 30 metre.
With nothing left on the clock, and immense defensive pressure from the desperate Tigers, Tweed second rower Jyah White finally made something happen, slipping out of contact to dive over the line.
Albeit not pretty, it was a well earned victory for the Tweed Seagulls, and a very tough loss for the Tigers.
SOUTHS LOGAN v REDCLIFFE
Harvey 17s
The glorious Gloria Isaraelu scored four fantastic tries as the Souths Logan Magpies took charge in a commanding 66-4 win over the Dolphins.
Left wing Isaraelu had her best game of the season so far, finishing off four tries with a superb long distance dazzler.
Isaraelu and the Magpies marched toward a 34-0 half time lead and maintained their precision, power and prowess to run riot in the second half and win big.
Ahead a bunch, Souths Logan could have taken their foot of the gas. That was the opposite of what happened.
Isaraelu made two cracking cover tackles to save tries late in the game and it emphasised their tireless 60-minute effort.
STARTING STRONG
The Magpies moved quick and often to have a down payment on victory at half time when they led 34-0.
The combination of Mele Misa and Sienna Trew was strong. The timely injections from fullback Janique Mili were telling. The craftiness of halfback Marmie Nati never relented and before long, Souths Logan were in the box seat and in the clear.
The first half carnage was conjured from the steady hands of Nati, who assisted on three of the six tries scored by the home side and was just on.
NATI A NUISANCE FOR DOLPHINS
Nati had the ball on a string when moving fast to dab a grubber kick in for Mili who scored.
She showed her attacking prowess soon after when twice breaking the Redcliffe defence and unloading to a support player near the tryline.
It was mesmerising stuff which rewarded the decisive and gutsy play of hooker Okalani Compton and the readiness and positioning of left wing Isaraelu (two first half tries) and the slick Mili.
Harvey U19s
The dazzling feet of Danielle Tutakangahau added the exclamation point on Souths’ gritty 34-16 defeat of Redcliffe on Sunday.
Influential halfback Tutakangahau evaded two defenders with her magical footwork, a left to right step delivering one final blow, the dagger, in a high-quality hit out at Davies Park.
Under scorching hot summer sun, the Magpies returned from a 12-0 deficit and ran in five unanswered tries before Redcliffe replied to make it 24-16 with 10 minutes left.
Then came Tutakangahau’s knockout blow, a superb dash to nail the coffin shut after gutsy defence denied the Dolphins a score for almost 40 minutes through the game’s gruelling middle stages.
With time dwindling down, Souths snared one first four-pointer when interchange middle forward Natalia Tuhiwai-Palu rumbled her way over and settled the scores at 34-16.
ROARING START
Redcliffe came out like a house on fire to land three quick tries and go ahead 12-0.
Halfback and captain Tianah Teo scored a beauty and not long after Grace Filipo found another level to score a cracking try.
Teo took matters into her own hands across the match, running with direction and enthusiasm to give her side front-foot ball.
Souths, trailing by 12, were on the back foot and in need of a quick fix. With the ball in hand, they turned the tide to go ahead 16-12 heading into the second half.
The comeback started with a wonderful run by smooth fullback Nazlyn Waaka-Rhind who pierced a gap, found Nikeisha Ngaru and then followed the play to receive a nice final pass by Ngaru to score.
HERE THEY COME
Souths were clicked into gear after scoring that first try.
The bench impact of powerhouse Mele Misa and utility Bella Alo was felt and the Logan girls were gunning for more points.
Left wing Rebeka Lee strode over, courtesy of some crafty creative from Tutakangahau and then on the stroke of half time forward leader Kiera Rangi landed the Magpies’ third unanswered try.
It was game on.
MISA MASTERCLASS
Souths enforcer Misa made another profound impact in both the under-17s and under-19s matches with her power game.
A Mabel Park prop, Misa was one and a half players in her first game where she was a starter. Then, off the bench in her second game, Misa continued to move bodies out the way as she motored forward.
Misa and her under-17s teammate Alo gave Souths a nice boost after trailing early because Alo made the initial break that culminated in Souths’ fourth successive try scored by goalkicking ace Dakotah Brady-Heaslop.
The offloading Rangi also asked plenty of questions, while whippy centre Nikeisha Ngaru injected herself at a crucial time when she ran a nice switch line to score Souths’ fifth and most timely try.
Connell Cup
Mountain man Ranel Filipine produced the play of the day when he scored a telling try nine minutes from full time to break a 14-all deadlock and win.
Souths won 20-18 after a Filipine charge-down try twisted the knife and grabbed a crucial six-point lead heading into the death minutes.
Bond Bradley, whose kick was charged down, returned serve admirably with a smart scoot from five-eight to get one back but the conversion strayed and that was it.
Souths were home, by the skin of their teeth.
It was a fitting end to a frantic contest where the teams went hammer and tongs at each before towering prop Filipine’s try gave the Magpies breathing room late.
RANEL FILIPINE REIGNS SUPREME
Big Filipine produced the play of a lifetime as the match entered the final 10 minutes.
With the scores level at 14-apiece, the towering prop moved forward quickly in the line and charged down a Bond Bradley clearance kick.
Filipine then sprinted to the ball, toed it ahead, regathered the ball and planted it while being slung to ground.
It was a magic display of pressure, pace and precision when he perfectly toed the ball forward and pounced on it.
BACK AND FORTH BATTLE
Before Filipine rose to produce a stellar match-turning try, the two sides traded blows to set up a thrilling final quarter.
Towering left wing Jonathon Alo and Logan’s Kahmarley Faaaoga-Andrew traded tries in quick succession and before that Redcliffe edge forward Reco Naitini strutted his stuff barrelling through the defence to score.
Naitini’s try, Redcliffe’ second, came after he had made a thumping run on the right edge and he kept asking questions as the game went on.
He was brilliant alongside big Siai Papani, Hanipale Sosene and thunderous prop pairing Lennox Ngata-Faofua and Israel Faialaga.
At the back, busy fullback Sonny Hewitt had his hand in plenty and made inroads against swarming Souths defence.
Meninga Cup
Elsiyah Laumatia and David Bryenton were clutch-time kings in Souths’ frantic 28-26 pipping of Redcliffe on full time.
Souths Logan trailed 26-22 with the clock dwindling down when left edge battleship Laumatia, a Cairns talent now with the mighty Magpies, barged over the top of two defenders to score a try and equalise.
Then came Bryenton’s calm and collected conversion 20m in from the left touchline. To add to the excitement, the ball ricochet off the right upright and sprayed over to give Souths a two-point lead.
Redcliffe got one chance with the ball in hand but the whistle blew and that was game. Souths were home by a whisker, after Redcliffe had rose from the ashes to take a four-point lead.
DOLPHINS DOMINATE SECOND HALF
The Dolphins returned from a 22-10 deficit to lead by four points heading into the final 10 minutes.
After Souths halfback Nehemiah Vavau sent Kendall on a route to the tryline with a stunning flat pass, Redcliffe replied with three unanswered tries in a sensational 16-nil scoring spurt.
Noah Fien, centre Elijah McKay and Zac Garton each scored tries within the space of seven minutes to flip the match on its head and throw Souths onto the back foot.
In that time, the destructive Brian Pouniu and in-form halfback Fien were excellent turning the tide for the Dolphiins.
FIEN HAS SIX IN TWO GAMES
Redcliffe halfback Fien is in a purple patch of scoring right now. He scored a hattrick in round 3 and bagged a double in the first half to square the ledger at 10 apiece approaching the main break. He then scored a third when it mattered as Redcliffe mounted its second half comeback.
That was before making the break and subsequent cut out pass that led to big McKay crossing.
A top notch support player, Fien followed the play for his second try when athletic left wing Jeremiah Patea did well to step off his left and go back inside.
A fantastic flick pass while a defender was draped over him did the trick and Fien was in for his second. He previously opened the scoring with a direct carry from close range and himself and defensive work horse Lachlan Buchbach were first class in the halves.
TENACIOUS THOMAS TAKES NO PRISONERS
Long before Souths’ fantastic finish to win, they had their own two-try terror in Lehi Thomas. The Logan product poured his heart and soul into two terrific carries on the right edge and both resulted in four pointers.
Thomas showed plenty of pace and power in attack and his double had Souths heading into the second half with their noses ahead 16-10.
Effective left edge forward Laumatia, who later delivered Bryenton the chance to steal the game at the death, had originally got Souths on the scoresheet with a barnstorming run.
On the stroke of half time, everywhere man Bryenton slotted a penalty goal from wide out which was very important given what succeeded in a Dolphins-dominated second half.
Bryenton’s deceptively damaging defence, safe hands catching kick offs and general ball play at five-eight played a big part in Souths’ efficient display in the early going.
CUTTERS v BLACKHAWKS
Harvey U17s
The outstretched right arm of Mackay winger Keeley Logan was the difference, as the winger snared the clinching try eight minutes from full-time in a thriller against Blackhawks.
It was a slugging affair, with Blackhawks leading 6-nil at the break, only for a barrelling try by Theresa-Gelia Malayta enabling her side to draw level.
Then Logan somehow got the ball down from a seemingly impossible position, reaching out to ground possession and given her side a 10-6 advantage.
It was a nice passing move involving Ruby Watt, Abby Callander and Courtney Harris, but Logan still had no right to score. Her side won 10-6.
ALANIETA THE POET FROM BURDEKIN
Without overcooking it, Alanieta Nauqe’s creation of a try for Makayla-Jayne Benson was poetry, sheer poetry, by a No.7.
She straightened the attack, took on the line and looked left, dummied to her right and then angled her body back to the right again to pick up the supporting Benson. Gee it was good football.
BLACKHAWKS’ EFFORT LAUDED
Townsville coach Rebecca Peterson praised her team’s defence and the endeavour of the girls despite the loss. “I am pleased with the way they played and they have shown improvement each week. That’s all I can ask for.’’
Best for the Blackhawks was middle forward Nylani Nami, while Tah Lucy Querro and Alanieta Nauqe worked well together in the halves.
Harvey 19s
Magnificent Mikaele. How did she do it? The Blackhawks prop Easther Mikaele produced two try saving tackles - in the one movement - as the Townsville girls inched toward the winning post - 12-4 - against the Pride.
Mikaele helped fullback Zaleah Mosby-Nona stop a runaway Shaylee Hazledine from scoring, then got to her feet to block Jen Kimber’s progress to the line after Kimber had backed up Hazldeine. It was a remarkable performance.
Adele Jensen’'s barge over try then helped the Blackhawks establish an 8-nil lead at halftime, only for Mackay to score just after the break when Kimber scooped up a kick.
CAMPBELL COURAGE
Cutters centre Anthea Campbell bravely chased and tackled tearaway winger Mahalia Miviri who, 80m earlier, had scooped up a grubber kick and looked on her way to scoring.
Campbell had other ideas, reeling her in as a shadow of the goalpost loomed.
Connell Cup
CUTTERS STEAL THE WIN
The Mackay Cutters came from behind to oust the Blackhawks 12-8 in a Connell Cup thriller at Jack Manski Oval.
Mackay scored the winning try with 10 minutes and in a tense final few minutes, they managed to hold on.
“It was a very tough game after their pack got on top of us in the first half,’’ said Brett Watton. “We lost Lachy Brown early (leg) and had to readjust, with Adam McSherry, Tom Bassett, Eli Cookson all stepping up in a reschuffle of our spine.’’
The Blackhawks were on top early, scoring the first try through trusty winger Jerry Mipari following a lovely back door pass from halfback Riley Carbone via winger Eruweti Gunn-James. Carbone did not deserve to be on a losing side.
But Mackay coach Watton delivered a simple message at the break: “It was tough, we needed to complete our sets aand turn their big pack around. And then defend our kicks and play in their half.’’
With McSherry and Grange Womal delivering the kicks, and middle forwards Cookson and Al Bollinger boring down the field, Mackay found enough thrust to win energy to win.
Townsville coach Nathan Norford said his team created ample opportunities in attack “but unfortunately not all were iced.’’
CUTTERS FIND SECOND WIND
It was toward the back end of the second half that the Cutters really found their feet, kicked off by an encouraging run from captain AJ Bollinger
From a Blackhawks dropout, Bollinger sent defenders flying when he burst through their defensive line, charging 30m down the field towards the posts.
But Blackhawks winger Jerry Mipari pulled off a desperate tackle around the ankles, dragging Bollinger short just a couple of metres from the line.
The Cutters came back moments later with an attacking vengeance, with an offload from a surrounded Mackay halfback Grange Womal finding second rower O’Brien on the line. O’Brien managed to stagger over the paint with three defenders on his back to push Cutters into the lead, 12-8.
PETERS AND MCSHERRY MAGIC
Cutters second rower Jake Peters and lock Adam McSherry paired up late in the first half to produce the magic moment of the game.
Under pressure, McSherry sent up a bomb headed right under the posts.
The pacy second rower Peters blazed in out of nowhere, launching himself above two Blackhawks defenders to pull off a brilliant high catch and try. It was a spectacular try and the Cutters knew it, with plenty of slaps on the back going around for a grinning Peters.
MENINGA CUP
Cutters v Blackhawks
A fast finishing Blackhawks could not shift Mackay from atop the podium in what was a typically tough donnybrook between two great rivals.
Mackay Cutters shaded their rivals to win 18-10 on Sunday afternoon, with Mackay forced to play out the match after Townsville came storming home in the final four minutes.
The Blackhawks had earlier reduced the margin from 12-nil to 12-4 when winger Heath Bethel slid over in the corner after a pearler of a pass by fullback Kynan Purdy, but Mackay always seemed to have their nose in front.
Certainly the scoreboard was in Mackay’s favour when centre Zane Elletson crossed after halfback Nikolaus Djukic had set up on a wide blindside. But the Blackhawks fought to the death.
Tavita Panai and Jack Thorburn were tremendous upfront for the winners, Mackay, while interchange lock Terence Mosby and Karlos Iraia shone for Townsville.
PROP POWER
Penaia Te’o and Travis Larner were the arrowheads which barrelled their side over the opening try.
Larner’s driving run was followed by an even more effective charge by the giant Te’o, who went hard and low to ground the ball.
The big bloke could also pass before the line, as he did to clear possession to his outside men from deep inside his half which led to winger Rylan Misztela creating a chance for his second rower Joseph Doyle to score.
CLYDESDALES v IPSWICH
Harvey 17s
Clydesdales halfback Sedeequa Nelson was the difference in bruising, physical clash won 18-8 by the Darling Downs’ girls over Ipswich.
With her captain Chloe Thompson leading a forward protection racket against a tough Ipswich pack, Nelson scored a remarkable solo try and conjured up a second for winger Isabelle Duncombe which was the difference in a match which was much closer than the scores indicated.
But she could only have a say in the match if her forwards went forward, and leading the way was prop Chloe Thompson.
Ipswich had a host of strong players, including dangerous fullback Jannali Wyles-Entermann, interchange forwards Louretta Mataafa and Tamika Brennan-Rowe and Havana-Lee Tiepa-Campus, but the better side won.
WOW FACTOR
Nelson produced the wow factor of the match with a brilliant 80m solo try.
Off the back of a quick ruck ball by prop Millie Wolff, and slick service from hooker Isabel Johnston, Nelson was granted front attacking opportunities.
A dummy, a weave and a side swerve around the second line of defence opened by a canyon to the tryline which she covered quickly. It was one of the best individual tries of the season.
Nelson impacted the match with her ability to take advantage of quick play the balls generated by props Thompson and Wolff.
Around her running game and superlative solo try, she also saved a try with a subtle piece of defence on Ipswich centre Mieke Moata’ane at a crucial moment in the first half when the Jets were pounding the line.
Nelson’s kicking game, and associated chase of her own kicks, also aided her team’s performance.
OUCH - IT’S SLEDGEHAMMER TIME
Tannah Klass stung like a bee in defence. No Clydesdales’ forward ran with freedom down the left hand side of the field where Klass stood in the defensive line.
Her timing was telling and would have been noted by rival teams.
CHLOE’S CLOUT
Clydesdales captain Chloe Thompson did have to say a word - her “follow me” example said it all as she took ruck ball close to the Ipswich line, powered through the defence and scored.
That moment against the physical Jets defence said it all and would have inspired her teammates. Around that, her ruck running was immense and it was no coincidence Ipswich worked their way back into the game during her absence from the field.
IPSWICH’S INTERCHANGE ACES
Jets interchange forwards Tamika Brennan-Rowe and Louretta Mataafa revved up their team’s performance after the Downs’ girl had prized open a 12-nil advantage.
With straight, hard running and quick play the balls, they helped give their side momentum which took momentum away from the Clydesdales and gave Ipswich parity in the game.
Brennan-Rowe also produced the pass which kept the ball alive that led to her team’s first try.
KICK-CHASE OF THE MATCH
Ipswich’s opening try came off the back of a wonderful tactical kick by five-eight Amber Collins, made even better by winger Camry Soli’s chase which regained possession for Ipswich.
It was off the back of that moment that the Jets were able to string together their first try as Brennan-Rowe, Pania Powhiro, Monica Tuala-Leaunoa and Ebony-Rose Te Kura handled, leading to centre Mieke Moata’ane hitting the gap and scoring.
Connell Cup
Innocent Baruani was the difference as Ipswich Jets hung on against a fast finishing Clydesdales 20-18.
A Liam Marshall try minutes from full-time set the scene for a gripping finish, as Clydesdales swept the ball 90m to almost pinch the win.
Baruani was the difference with his creation of tries for winger Harlem Tamali and right centre Samu Afoa.
In defence he also played an important role in Clydesdales’ centre Chevy Ryan not scoring at a time when Ipswich clung to a 18-12 advantage.
The Clydesdales’ were never far from Ipswich’s shadow, with No. 13 Alastair MacLachlan and prop Thomas McDonald excellent around the middle, as were Ipswich props Tomasi Vaitai and Lane Edmonds.
Ipswich’s defence was also busy containing Downs’ five-eight Charlie Barnes, second rower Laythan Potter and hooker Max Murphy
“It was a tough game with a few too many errors at the wrong time,’’ said Clydesdales’ coach Ned Murphy.
PEACH OF A PASS X 2
Innocent Baruani’s pass under fatigue late in the first half for his winger Tamalii to score was a peach of a pass.
Almost as good was another ball to his centre Afoa who scored just after halftime. Baruani displayed the crisp hands of a five-eight, shuffling possession onto his centre with ease despite being under pressure.
His vision and awareness was something you can’t coach.
CHARLIE’S RUN
Charlie Barnes text book running game which took advantage of forward generated momentum was out of playbook No.1.
After mobile No. 13 Alastair MacLachlan had generated quick ruck ball, Barnes backed his skills, racing 20m to score under the posts.
MacLachlan’s ability to generate ruck speed with a play the ball also helped Max Murphy burrow over for his try early in the second half.
Harvey 19s
On a glorious Darling Downs day, the Western Clydesdales twice fended off a dogger Ipswich to find a win.
The home side led 12-nil and 24-8, but were never comfortable as Ipswich eluded the knockout blows.
Ipswich captain Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa was magnificent for her side, while a glorious pass by forward Praya Lio for her winger Bree-Anna Owens to score set the scene for an exciting finish.
The Clydesdales won because of the work of the middle girls who each had a strong work ethic.
Tall Downs’ prop Libby Dunn also did her thing in the ruck, with long striding runs at pace, but also some subtle ball play which added variety.
Classy centre Lucy Davis crossed first, before Lille Merlow burrowed over around a sea of bodies. Those tries gifted their side a 12-nil lead.
Dunn’s ruck speed also handed her dummy half, Sienna Carr, an important try after the Ipswich girls had cut the margin to 14-8 courtesy of their captain and halfback, Harrison-Leaunoa.
BYRNES BURST
Someone needed to crack the match open and that someone was outstanding Clydesdales’ hooker Mia Byrnes, whose long run gave field position for Merlow to barge over.
Displaying the speed and movement of the fullback she once was, Byrnes dashed, running 40m to take her side deep into attack.
FIVE ON FIVE
Down 12-nil, and with halftime upon them, the Ipswich players rallied to almost generate space down the sideline for left winger Bree-Anna Owens.
Owens had eyes for the corner post, but Angel Austin had other ideas, wrapping herself around Owens and bundling her over the sideline.
THE CAPTAIN’S WANT
Ipswich needed something going into halftime and captain Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa provided it with a muscling try.
The No. 7 could easily have been held, but she fought hard to wriggle her way over for a try which cut Clydesdales’ advantage to 12-4. Boy, didn’t Ipswich need that try.
Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa also created another try with a grubber kick that was scoped up by centre Geraldine Lomas.
Meninga Cup
Ipswich hooker Harrison Hill and prop Henry Kallquist again proved great enhancements to their team’s campaign as a composed Jets second half to pull away from the Clydesdales and win 42-14 in Toowoomba.
Despite the Clydesdales displaying plenty of spirit to twice fight back, you always sensed the Jets were half a step ahead of their rivals.
The trio of No. 13 Lachlan Coburn, halves Ryder Williams and Nathan Fraser, and hooker Hill were the brains’ trust in the win.
Edge forward Jabiri Mack and prop Kallquist, recruited from Rockhampton, were also strong for the winners
DON’T YOU LOVE A RUN AROUND
There is nothing like seeing a good old-fashioned run around in full swing, particularly when it generates a try.
Ipswich hooker Harrison Hill and his prop Henry Kallquist were the men to execute the clever exchange of passing which resulted in Ryder Williams and Tavita Pomale linking to put winger Melchizedek Nonu over to give his side a 16-8 lead.
MACK TRUCK MUSCLE
Ipswich second rower Jabiri Mack opened the scoring with a magnificent solo try, hitting the gap at speed and finding a swerve of the hips to help him over the line to give the Jets a 6-nil advantage early on.
Soon after Mack was in the middle of a catch and pass movement from the tryline, with halfback Nathan Fraser backing up down the middle of the field to score after Ryder Williams and Tavita Pomale had put winger Melchizedek Nonu on a long run.
ELARA HITS TARGET
The Clydesdales’ needed something special, and No. 13 Shaun Elara provided it with a beautiful pass in contact that found his second rower Riley Zanette steaming onto the ball.
It was a great play by the St Mary’s old boy and that try reduced the margin to 16-10.
Earlier, the Toowoomba-based side found strength to also rally, with Harry Robinson scoring an opportunist try after a horror mix-up caused by the Clydesdales’ defenders from the restart.
CAPRAS v PRIDE
Harvey 17s
Alex Bukowski remarkably scored three tries as the Capras’ girls donned their wetsuits to swim to a convincing 24-nil win in pouring rain over a competitive Northern Pride.
Scoring one try was a milestone moment in the rain, let alone three, but Bukowski was at the top of her game.
The Capras set up the victory in the first half, fighting hard against the ever improving Northern Pride.
HOT START IN THE BIG WET
The Capras had got off to a hot start in the soaking wet, executing play after play despite the slippery conditions.
A mix of hot potato, great decisiveness from Josie Wegand (hooker), and telling likes from the likes of Alex Bukowski opened up a 12-0 half time buffer for the visitors.
The usual suspects found their way onto the scoresheet. Terrific trio Bukowski, edge forward Maycee Brown and work horse Wogand went in after tremendous build up play saw the Capras strut their stuff moving down field.
The bounding Bukowski barged over first after a wonderful carry from Charlotte McLean got her team on the front foot.
Both girls have been in everything over the past two matches. Brown, sporting bright pink headgear and fluoro-yellow boots, crashed over shortly after with a telling line back towards the ruck.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Capras coach Nicki Carpenter: Our grit and determination in attack was what impressed most,’’ she said. “In such terrible conditions we used the ball really well on the edges, while defence was also on point.’’
Pride coach Elionora Oberleuter had high praise for her hooker Nelly Roberton, but ball security and defence let her side down. “We gave Capras too much ideal field position. The girls know I am still always proud of their efforts but they know it’s back to the drawing board on Monday for our last game in Townsville.’’
DESPERATE DEFENCE
Despite desperate defence from Pride’s No. 9 Robertson and Jehaziel Kose, the Capras cashed in again five minutes from half time when busy fullback Kayla Vella made a smart pass to Wogand who scored.
Indeed Pride’s committed defence, while not good enough to win the match, was a credit to a squad which continues to improve.
Connell Cup
Capras centre Kaelan Callaghan scored a dream try to lift his side above a rising tide and defeat Northern Pride 22-6 on a rain soaked Barlow Park in Cairns.
With the match in the balance, Callaghan took a tap restart 25m from the line, burst through the defence and beat the cover defence on the line.
It was the type of try the kid could have dreamt about in his sleep. It was a special moment in a dour match.
Callaghan’s try, and a dummy half dive by Walt Lanson to score, proved the difference after the Capras had turned down 6-4 entering the second half.
No. 14 Lanson had a strong match when injected, while hooker Jay Marsh continued his excellent form. Capras No. 13 Lachlan Anderson and second rower Jake Armstrong again impressed.
WHAT A CATCH
Seriously, Ryan Millard should be in the slips for the Australian cricket team. His pick up of a grubber kick threaded through by Tyler Addo would have got plaudits in the dry - let alone in the big wet which greeted players in this match.
It was a sensational catch by the halfback which generated the game’s first try.
BUSBY, BILES BACK THEMSELVES
The Capras halfback Michael Busby and fullback Harley Bilesback their skills, regardless of the weather, when they rolled the dice on a right side short side play.
With the halftime siren looming, the pair crisply and cleanly delivered possession into a flying winger Kobe Oberhardt who shed two defenders to score.
Harvey 19s
The Northern Pride struck twice in the second half to palm off fierce competition from the Capras to win 24-12.
Outstanding second rower Lisa Waireg scored a wonderful individual try to turn a 12-8 halftime deficit into a 14-12 advantage, and then quick footed centre Jaeda Morato scored after fullback Jordana Woods had kept the slippery ball alive with sure handling.
There was not a struck match between the sides, and it took Waireg’s surging run and Woods’ fight in a tackle to deliver a pass to inch their side ahead of the Capras.
“We knew it we could hang onto the ball in the conditions we could create momentum and put some points on the board,’’ said Pride coach Karl Adams.
WONDERFUL WAIREG
The second rower was enormous in the heavy conditions, with her skill on the right side a constant threat. But he had helpers, with Jytte Wallace and Sari Ericson strong through the middle, while No. 14 Makeilla Gibson influencing her side with clear, precision play around the ruck.
HAIL CASSAR
You’d love to see CQ fullback Teleah Cassar play in the dry. Her performance to drag the Capras from a 4-8 deficit into a 12-8 advantage played a huge part in the CQ’s girls’ amazing away win to the Pride.
In heavy rain, the CQ No. 1 conjured up a try for her halfback Manaia Faiumu Malone when she was able to keep the ball alive, and then soon after backed her running skills to slide over in the left hand corner.
Both pieces of player were dry weather efforts in heavy conditions and deserve to be acknowledged here.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
The Pride twice struck in the first half, once when middle forward Teneisha Ah Kee proved too powerful in the wet close to the line, and on another occasion when prop Syianna Banu was on hand to pounce on a grubber kick by clever NQ hooker Layla Geck.
But in between those scores, superb hands in the conditions by Capras centre Dale Lewis enabled her winger Keira Smith to cross and the CQ girls were back to a 4-all scoreline.
Meninga Cup
It took until the cusp of full-time, but the Northern Pride got the lollies 30-14 in a gripping, gruelling clash against Capras.
Two first half tries to prop Kaiden Lahrs laid foundations for a lead which at one stage blew out, but the big hearted Capras were never going to throw in the white towel.
Back the CQ boys came, with a try by Harrison Hill cutting Pride’s advantage to just 24-18.
It took a show and go try by five-eight Ben Walker to finally bury their rivals and hand Pride victory.
This was despite a brave effort by CQ headed by hooker Curtis Seierup.
“We had more effort and desire today in very tough conditions,’’ said Pride coach Bevan Walker.
LAHRS DOUBLE
A Kaiden Lahrs’ double hauled Pride into the lead until Capras’ spiritual leader Jake Oberhardt battered his way over to score.
Lahrs scored both tries, but his front row partner Mafiou Cherif played a role with a dummy run, and then a catch and pass from close range.
It was nice partnership work by the arrow heads from the Pride forward pack.
PRAISE FOR CAPRAS
In the driest conditions of the day, Capras started the match by playing dry weather football, swinging the ball left and right before right centre Anasta Tamwoy opened the scoring.
The Capras’ front six then grinded their way back into the contest, giving the side a sniff with just minutes remaining.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS VS WIDE BAY BULLS
Harvey 17s
You couldn’t count on one hand the amount of standout stars the Falcons had against the Bulls in round five.
With the home side picking up a 60-0 victory, the one sided display was led by Sunshine Coast captain and talented second rower Ace Pollock.
FULL POWER POLLOCK
The rising NRLW prospect was immense on Saturday, playing a solid all around game by displaying her wide range of passing, kicking, offloading, tackling and hard running skills.
“Coming in after a week off we made it clear we didn’t want to force anything so it took us a little bit to settle into the game but once we did the points just flowed,” Pollock said after the win.
“Our biggest asset is when we run in twos as a team because we make plenty of line breaks, complete our sets well and just add another layer to our attacking options.”
Pollock said she felt she was growing in confidence with each match.
“The last game I played was my club footy grand final back in September so I do think it is tough to get straight back into it at the start of the season but I feel like as I’ve settled and we’ve developed our combinations, I’ve grown each week,” she said.
“We have so many good attacking players in our side so I’d definitely say the girls around me are making my job so much easier.”
LLOYD FLYING UNDER THE RADAR
Lock forward Pearl Lloyd was also immense, capped off by her stunning 60m try in the first half.
Lloyd said she was enjoying her new role as a link player within the team.
“It was a bit difficult at the start just because I wasn’t familiar with many of the girls but it’s starting to get easier and easier every week and I think that shows in our performances,” she said.
“Having so much communication and attacking options around me it definitely allows me to take a step back but also be vocal when I need to be.”
Alongside Pollock and Lloyd, halves duo Lily Bain and Marley Chan were solid as well as fullback Aamira Renouf, hooker Asha Holmstrom and centre Tahlee Donald.
Connell Cup
A final quarter blitz from the Falcons flipped the script on what was an agreed upon ‘ugly’ display against the Wide Bay Bulls.
The Bulls kicked out to an 8-0 lead with two tries in the opening 12 minutes and despite the Falcons having the majority of the ball and field positioning, they couldn’t hit back.
15 MINUTE U-TURN
The error count was through the roof until the Falcons finally were able to hold onto the ball and complete back-to-back sets, scoring five unanswered tries in the last 15 minutes.
For the Bulls five-eight Edward Mackay and hooker Samuel Adcock performed well for their side while for the Falcons their two best were right centre Ashyr Kelso and fullback Taj Kuhl.
With the scoreline not a true reflection of the match, Falcons fullback Taj Kuhl said there would be a few tough training sessions for his side next week.
“It was just so hectic and we were scrambling from the get go for no reason,” Kuhl said.
“We couldn’t complete a set, it was error after error, just ugly footy to be honest.
“Once we started to complete our sets, kick to corners and put the pressure on them we started to find our groove.”
Harvey 19s
A good all around performance was enough for the Devils to claim some vital ladder points, beating the Falcons 20-8 in round five.
The travelling side scored some good tries early to give them a good lead but impressed the most with their collective defensive efforts.
Pinned down on their try line for a fair chunk of the second half, Norths held their own to finish with their heads held high.
VULU, TYRELL TOO GOOD
Devil’s right centre and wing pairing of Te Arani Vulu and Courtney Tyrell showed their class against the Falcons in round three.
A Tyrell double and one try for Vulu was enough for Norths to rest their hat on.
What also stood out was their defensive efforts, showing strong positioning and communication.
For the Falcons Takoda Thompson was positive as always along with both Ladewig sisters out wide.
Meninga Cup
Norths v Falcons
The North Devils have punched their ticket into finals contention thanks to a second half blitz against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
After travelling up the Bruce Highway, Norths acted like a sponge for the opening half, soaking up any attacking pressure by the Falcons before punching holes in their defence.
A 14-12 halftime score was as close as the Falcons got as the Devils kicked into gear to come away with a 40-22 win.
North’s forwards really stood up to the task in the middle of the field, pinning down the Falcons pack and keeping them on the back foot.
LOCKED IN
Devils lock Charlie Dickson was immense all game, playing direct when he needed but also looking out wide the opportunity presented itself.
He took the ball to the line really well, putting his teammates through the gap or going himself for some handy metres.
Five-eight Noah Blooranta also showcased his positive running game which unlocked plenty of space for his outside men.
Centre Robertson Tusi Tofu was solid with two tries of his own while Nate Clark was also strong off the bench.
For the Falcons Will Graham was strong as he has been all season.
More Coverage
Originally published as Meninga, Connell Cup and Harvey Norman U17 and U19 girls league round 5 report
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