Capras score 24 second-half points to beat Cutters in Rivalry Round showdown

The CQ Capras came from behind to beat the Mackay Cutters in the Hostplus Cup’s Rivalry Round on Saturday. Check out the key moments that played out in the hard-fought clash in Rockhampton.

Anthony Milford and Kurtis Farr feature in the five biggest talking points from CQ Capras win over the Mackay Cutters in Hostplus Cup Rivalry Round.

The CQ Capras piled on 24 second-half points to down arch rivals Mackay in the Hostplus Cup’s Rivalry Round.

Trailing by two at the break, the Capras ran in four tries to two in the second 40 minutes to register a 30-18 victory at Rockhampton’s Rugby Park.

Coach Lionel Harbin said his troops again showed their resilience, and their ability to stay in the game and keep fighting.

Winger Bob Tenza goes in for the CQ Capras first try against the Mackay Cutters. Photo: Luke Fletcher

He was impressed with how they responded in the second half.

“That game means a bit more to both clubs being Rivalry Round,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter where either team is sitting on the table, it’s always highly competitive and it was the same on Saturday.

“It was a tight game and I think it would have been a good game to watch as a spectator.”

Here are the five biggest talking points from Saturday’s clash.

Madden, Milford’s combination

The halves pairing of Jack Madden and Anthony Milford was instrumental in the victory.

Their pinpoint kicking, which came to the fore in the second half, was on point and helped get the Capras on the front foot.

“Once we got possession, Jack and Anthony had a really good kicking game,” Harbin said.

“We were able to apply some pressure with our defence and got points on the back end of that.”

Anthony Milford’s kick game was on song for the CQ Capras.

Dolphins’ trio shines

The Dolphins’ trio of Anthony Milford, Edrick Lee and Robert Jennings showed their class.

“They all bring something different,” Harbin said.

“Obviously they’ve got that NRL experience … but they all carry the footy really well and make everyone else’s job easier in the way they get us down the field.

“Anthony when he runs the football is a threat and that opens up opportunities for other players as well.

“Robert and Edrick always get our sets off to a really good start.”

First-half defence vital

The Capras were down by six in the 12th minute after Cutters’ winger Dario Takitaki crossed for the first try of the game.

“I thought in that first half we probably weren’t as composed and patient as we wanted to be,” Harbin said.

“We created a few opportunities and were just trying to score off every set when we hadn’t really built into the game and they did a better job of that.

“I thought the way we defended really kept us in the game.”

Kurtis Farr was a standout for the Capras. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Fantastic Farrs

Brothers Kurtis and Tom Farr lined up out of position, playing in the second row, but they didn’t put a foot wrong.

Their defence was jarring and their speed and agility got the Capras going forward.

“The Farr boys are traditionally not backrowers but they had to play there and both did a really good job,” Harbin said.

“The biggest positive this year is that players have come in and done their job, wherever they’ve been asked to play.

“They’ve really stood up and taken their opportunities.”

Another injury blow

The Capras win was soured by an injury to hardworking front rower Jeremy McLachlan midway through the first half.

He suffered broken ribs and, according to Harbin, will be “out for quite some time”.

McLachlan joins the team’s growing injury toll, which includes forwards Jesse Jennings (shoulder) and PNG recruit Khaiya Waeimbi, both of whom are unlikely to return this season.

Originally published as Capras score 24 second-half points to beat Cutters in Rivalry Round showdown