CQ Capras in sixth with three rounds of Q-Cup regular season to play

The Capras piled on the points against Wynnum Manly to jump two rungs on the Hostplus Cup ladder. Coach Lionel Harbin explains what’s driving the results.

Anthony Milford was voted the CQ Capras’ Players Player after the team’s big win over Wynnum at the weekend. Photo: Pam McKay

Coach Lionel Harbin has revealed the strategy driving the CQ Capras’ strong results in the latter stages of the Hostplus Cup regular season.

The team has beaten two higher ranked teams in their past two outings, putting on 86 points and conceding just 22.

“We’ve made a conscious effort to just focus on us,” Harbin explained.

“We’re not concentrating on the ladder or whether other teams are winning or losing, all our attention is on how we can keep improving going into the back end of the season.”

Larson Dale-Doyle scored a double for the Capras. Photo: Pam McKay

The Capras moved from eighth to sixth on the ladder with their 48-12 demolition of the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Round 20 at the weekend.

See the game photos here

Second rower Larson Dale-Doyle and winger Tom Farr crossed twice as the Capras posted their highest score this season, as well as their biggest winning margin.

Harbin described the win in front of 1100-plus fans at Rockhampton’s Rugby Park as a “really good performance”.

“It’s a nice way to go into the bye,” he said.

“Defensively, I thought we were strong. That’s two weeks in a row where we’ve kept our opposition to two tries, which is really pleasing at this time of the year.

“Our attack is also flowing nicely.

“The big thing is no one is overplaying their part - they’re just doing their job which makes things easier for everyone else.”

The Capras left edge was dominant, with centre Cooper Marshall proving a threat every time he got the ball as he racked up 182 run metres.

Skipper Jack Madden and his Capras are continuing their march up the Hostplus Cup ladder. Photo: Pam McKay

Zev John led the way in the middle, while hooker Trey Brown had one of his best games of the season.

Harbin said halves Jack Madden and Anthony Milford complemented each other perfectly.

Madden was the organiser and directed the team, which allowed Milford to play eyes-up, attacking football.

After this weekend off, the Capras will look to continue their giant-slaying run when they take on the second-placed Norths Devils in their last home game.

They will round out the regular season on the road against the Tweed Heads Seagulls (currently 10th) on August 24.

Hostplus Cup ladder (after Round 20)

1. Northern Pride - 34 points

2. Norths Devils - 30 points

3. Sunshine Coast Falcons - 28 points

4. Redcliffe Dolphins - 26 points

5. Burleigh Bears - 25 points

6. CQ Capras - 24 points

7. PNG Hunters - 24 points

8. Wynnum Manly Seagulls - 23 points

9, Townsville Blackhawks - 23 points

10. Tweed Heads Seagulls - 20 points

11. Souths Logan Magpies - 20 points

12. Brisbane Tigers - 19 points

13. Mackay Cutters - 18 points

14. Ipswich Jets - 14 points

15. Toowoomba Clydesdales - 8 points

Originally published as CQ Capras in sixth with three rounds of Q-Cup regular season to play