Hostplus Cup: CQ Capras break losing streak with win over PNG Hunters
A brilliant display from Aaron Moore, a four-try haul and a powerhouse performance from a workhorse front rower were highlights of the Capras’ much-needed win. Emotional coach Lionel Harbin gives his review.
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A positional switch proved a master stroke as Aaron Moore orchestrated a much-needed win for the CQ Capras in a performance heralded as his best yet for the club.
Moore started at lock and was brilliant in directing the attack in the 46-30 win over the PNG Hunters, the result arresting the Capras’ seven-game losing streak.
Fans at Rockhampton’s Rugby Park were treated to a try-fest, with 14 tries in 80 minutes of thrilling football.
Capras’ centre James Walsh was unstoppable on the left edge, bagging four of the victors’ eight tries, while co-captain Blake Moore was on target with the boot, landing seven of eight conversions.
An emotional coach Lionel Harbin said it was a gutsy team performance.
“I’ve been around this club for a long time and that win was right up there,” he said.
“This group’s been through so much this year with a lot of different players coming in and out for different reasons but they’ve just continued to work extremely hard and I’m so happy to see them get the reward for that today.”
The signs were good early for the Capras, with Walsh scoring his first in just the seventh minute.
With Aaron Moore pulling the strings, they crossed for four more in the opening stanza to take a 30-8 lead to the sheds at the break.
Walsh’s second four-pointer minutes after play resumed sparked a Hunters’ second-half resurgence as they raced in three tries in eight minutes to narrow the margin to 12.
But the Capras managed to hold them at bay, with Walsh scoring two more in the last 10 minutes to seal the deal.
Harbin could not speak highly enough of Aaron Moore, who alternated between lock and five-eighth after an early injury to Peyton Jenkins.
“That’s the best game he’s played for the club,” he said.
“He just changed our attack through the middle.
“I liked what he brought to the side with his tenacity and willingness to get in there and work hard.”
Harbin said Walsh was outstanding, posing an attacking threat every time he had ball in hand.
He described prop Ryan Jackson a force, dominant with his carries and physical through the middle, while second rower Larson Dale-Doyle was strong defensively on his return from injury, helping to tighten up the team’s right edge.
Harbin said the Capras needed to build on Saturday’s performance.
“Obviously, we were happy with our attack and the way we scored points but we also leaked a lot of points so we need to tidy up those little defensive errors,” he said.
The Capras are at home again next Saturday for their Round 18 clash with the Tweed Seagulls.
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Originally published as Hostplus Cup: CQ Capras break losing streak with win over PNG Hunters