CQ Capras best players in U17 wins in Harvey Norman, Connell Cup

The girls made it back-to-back wins in the Harvey Norman 17s, while the boys broke through for their first win in the Cyril Connell Cup. We reveal the key players in the victories.

Players who starred in CQ Capras under-17 team wins in Round 2.

Defence was key for both Capras under-17 outfits against the Northern Pride, as the girls made it two from two and the boys registered their first win in their statewide footy competitions.

The girls scored five tries to one in their 22-4 victory, with star second rower Alexis Bukowski bagging a first-half double at Emu Park’s Hartley Street Sports Complex on Saturday.

Winger Colin Leisha put on a finishing display, landing a hat-trick as the boys prevailed 18-12.

The results were reversed in the two under-19 games, with the Capras’ girls beaten 16-6 and the boys going down 26-22.

The four teams will head north this Saturday, cyclone permitting, for a Round 3 rematch against the Townsville Blackhawks in Townsville.

CQ Capras under-17 girls coach Nikki Carpenter.

Under-17 girls coach Nikki Carpenter said her players were “super-stoked” for the opportunity to embark on a road trip, a first for them in the expanded Harvey Norman competition.

She will be looking for more of the same from her players after their stellar showing on Saturday.

“The girls played out of their skin,” she said.

“It’s the best we’ve played so far and that was due to all members of our team working together, for each other, the whole time.

“I was really happy, not just for the result but because everything we worked on last week was implemented on the field against the Pride.

“The girls were really showing up in defence and attack and the push support was amazing.”

Carpenter said a focus this week against the Blackhawks would be on back-to-back efforts.

“We know Townsville will bring it so we just need to show up again like we did on Saturday.”

Under-17 boys coach Todd Hansen said it was a win his team needed to stay in touch in the six-week competition.

But he will be looking for much better ball control from his troops, who completed just one of their first five sets against the Pride.

““Defensively we were really good again but we dropped a lot of ball,” Hansen said.

“The key against Townsville will be to finish our sets and stay in the game.”

Here are the teams’ star performers

Under-17 girls

Alexis Bukowski.

Alexis Bukowski: Her ability to find the tryline is amazing. She’s a hard-working back rower who can jump into front row also and always have an impact.

Josie Wogand.

Josie Wogand: Skilful and crafty hooker who leads the team up the field through her eyes-up skills and a workhorse in defence.

Kayla Vella.

Kayla Vella: Fast and agile fullback who is new to the position but is fast growing into the role. Always looking for opportunities to break the line.

Under-17 boys

Parker Hunt: Came off the bench and changed the game with his energy and metres through the middle.

Leo Fanuatanu. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Leo Fanuatanu: A consistent performer who is a constant threat in the centres with massive running metres.

Jake Armstrong: Workhorse second rower who is solid in defence and attack. Always dependable.

Originally published as CQ Capras best players in U17 wins in Harvey Norman, Connell Cup