Meninga, Connell Cups; Harvey girls round 2 matches
Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls league: Early season golden try nomination as Wynnum’s Jada Waerea lights up Bishop Park after a bumper round 2 was garnished by Devil’s thrilling 19s boys win today.
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Wynnum Manly under-17 centre Jada Waerea staked an early claim for try of the season with a withering individual long distance try against Norths.
On an afternoon which saw Norths No.13 Easter Taualai magnificently impact her team’s recovery win by 32-26, Jada Waerea’s 70m try was a glistening jewel in the crown in the 17s clash.
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In other matches today, Wynnum’s under-19 girls moved the ball gloriously on the way to winning 28-6, while Wynnum Manly beat Norths 22-18 in Connell Cup. It was 24-22 to Norths in the Meninga Cup.
Seeing Jada Waerea left side run in the under-17 girls was like watching an old tape of one of league’s original immortals, 1960s centre sensation Reg Gasiner, or Broncos 1990s legend Steve Renouf as Jada Waerea put on footwork to beat her opponent on the outside and race off.
Waerea then put more footwork on to get around the fullback on the outside and she was home for all money, sailing toward the tryline. It was a spectacular individual performance from 70m out.
SUNDAY GAMES, NORTHS DEVILS V WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Harvey Norman under-17s
As mentioned earlier, Wynnum Manly centre Jada Waerea scored a classical long range try, but it was North’s No.13 Easter Taualai who inspired a comeback to win for the Devils.
Taualai and her winger Jhenarie Mcavoy-Turpin scored tries late as the Devils surged from a 22-10 deficit to over run their rivals 32-26 at a lush Bishop Park.
Initially Wynnum fended off a Norths side which were challenging in the middle courtesy powerful forwards Easter Taualai, Abuk Gaw and Memphis Tanielu.
But as the match wore on, Norths gained the upper hand. Devils No.13 Taualai was outstanding throughout, and even did a little ball playing to mix up her dynamic running game.
Taualai also scored two mighty individual tries and looks a representative player for sure.
Norths halfback and captain Ashley Cotter and her No.6 Paige Stagg also deserve praise, while Norths middle forward Jara’Kyah Turpin was outstanding during her second stint and utility Bailey Webb great off the bench.
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“The girls showed in the second half how we can compete higher and keep it simple and grind out a game. I was very happy with the second half,’’ said Devils coach Kristen Freed.
Earlier, Jessica Cross (Norths) and Jayla Andrews (Wynnum) exchanged close range tries in the opening six minutes.
Soon after exciting Wynnum fullback Leevi Williams scooped up the dropped ball, and stepped her way over in style. Even Williams’ placing of the ball had a bit of dazzle to it.
A lovely wide ball from Norths half Ashley Cotter then put fast finishing winger Aaliyah Murphy over in the corner to make it 16-10, and it was anyone’s match at halftime.
However, into the second half Wynnum extended its lead when Seagulls half Tameka Barnes brilliantly positioned her hooker Emily Whittaker for a run to the tryline.
Like all good No.9s, Whittaker was trailing the play down the field and reaped the rewards. It was 22-10 after her conversion.
Whittaker and her half Tameka Barnes were so courageous in defence, with Barnes also taking the ball to the line.
Seagulls prop Taya Solomon was also fabulous for Wynnum.
Meninga Cup
The Norths Devils held off a second half surge by visitors Wynnum Manly to clinch an exciting 24-22 victory at Bishop Park today.
Norths led 24-10 after conceding the first try of the game and held on, only just, later in the contest after the Seagulls stormed home in a gallant comeback attempt.
The Devil’s defence was fierce, restricting the damage Wynnum Manly’s backs Kylem Vunipola, Jaycob Kingston-Francis Xavier Kirk and Tariq Tanner could inflict – although those four did play well.
The Devils line speed was also a strong point, with Wynnum playmakers Campbell Rolfe and Preston Cassidy suffocated for space and time.
Beni Allen, the barnstorming Seagulls prop, looked to have scored the go ahead try with two minutes left but lost the ball in contact. It would have been a great reward for the powerful Allen, who stood tall against Norths forwards Maddox Goodwin, Lauloto Salei, Thomas Hansson, Siosifa Filipe and Amos Va’a.
Jahrel Iselin-Jansen was top of the tree for the Devils with his halves play, while fullback Sylas Simon stood tall and Jack Biles was grand off the bench.
Big Andre Mbunde was also tireless for the Devils, as were Wynnum Manly forwards Cayleb Johnson and Harry Armstrong.
KHAN IS KING
It was a hard-fought battle between both forward packs, but also between Kirk of Wynnum Manly and Adam Khan, the Norths winger who was excellent.
A Wide Bay player last season now a Devil, Khan could not have had a better start to the season in his new colours.
An electric talent, Khan made cover tackles, scooped up loose balls and was threatening with his kick-returns.
He is light on his feet and can get past defenders with marvellous footwork.
Khan has that x-factor.
Connell Cup
A first half double from Wynnum Manly second rower Majah-Jose Peachey earned the Seagulls their second win of the season, 22-18 over the Devils.
Majah-Jose Peachey, Broncos-signed hooker Ezekiel Jones and edge forward Taylon To’a spearheaded the Seagulls against Norths.
Wynnum Manly won the first half but the second half was a different story, with Norths storming back into the game on the back of Timahna Tandy’s grubber kicking and Dyer Akaula’s running game.
Devine Timu scored a brilliant try in the left corner for Wynnum, as did Dean Tauaa when he rampaged over multiple defenders and slammed the ball down. For Norths, Tandy, Cortez Kirkpatrick and busy winger Oliver Patterson opened their scoring account in season 2024.
THE TANDY TOUCH
The Wavell SHS student and Queensland 15 years schoolboys selection had a touch of class out of halfback.
Tandy’s kicking game was just beautiful, the Year 11 student using his grubber kicks to get Norths back into the game.
He gift wrapped Oliver Patterson a try with a pin-point cross field kick and troubled the Wynnum Manly outside backs with his precise grubber kicks into corners.
WORK HORSE
It was impossible to miss the hard work of Norths prop Dyer Akauola. He was tireless, often taking two hit- ups in each set. The tall, mobile No.8 was everywhere, as were outside backs James Grey, the jinking speed demon, and right wing Patterson who got himself involved.
Norths prop Isaac Rauluni was also hard to bring to ground.
PEACHEY INFLICTS PAIN
Mabel Park SHS Year 11 second rower Peachey was excellent in this contest.
He challenged the Norths defences and came away with two tries. All the while he was bruising his opponents with his defence.
He maintained the rage the entire game and stepped up when prop Cooper Young left the field with injury, and when Jared Horne had a rest.
Harvey Norman under-19s
Wynnum winger Ellie Cullen scored three tries while skipper Hayley Bush was magnificent in the Seagulls win over North.,
Beautiful ball movement, including deft touches by No.13 and captain Bush, was the trigger for Wynnum’s win and the space which enabled Cullen to score three, first half tries.
Norths did get on the board when hooker Bonnie Zappa wriggled over, but the Devils were behind the eight ball.
But Wynnum’s lovely too and fro passing which resulted in a third try by winger Cullen after the Wynnum forwards had pushed forward. It was 18-4, four tries to one at halftime.
But the backs’ ball enjoyed by the Seagulls was only possible because of the forward work and players like outstanding prop Maddison Schipplock.
To Norths’ players credit they never stopped trying and displayed will with their running and pride in defence to curb Seagulls progress on the scoreboard.
Yasmin Harrop Toa Toa and Jacinta Neemia never stopped trying for the Devils, while outside back Ava Walters was slick and also worked hard off the ball.
Saturday matches
The Tigers roared in an early season under 17 Harvey Norman epic while the Dolphins’ 19s produced a comeback from the clouds in a day of action across the Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls competitions.
Tweed’s under 19 girls also flexed their muscles in a grand win, but the story of the day came from Pizzey Park where the Dolphins came back from the dead. More on that match later.
The Tiger cubs 17 girls scored the winning try 90 seconds from full-time against a crestfallen Tweed Seagulls.
Hooker Enah Desic plunged over from dummy half to break a 10-all deadlock and hand her side a 14-10 win.
Jump to - Tweed v Tigers, Burleigh v Redcliffe, Capras v Blackhawks, Bulls v Clydesdales, Cutters v Pride, Norths v Wynnum Manly, Falcons v Jets.
The game had been locked up 10-all just six minutes from full-time when Tweed’s Aurora Maiden squeezed over in the left hand corner after her teammate had conjured up a superb raid featuring slick passing.
More on the match below, which saw Tigers halfback Kameryn Bray and prop Porche John play big matches for the winners.
In other highlights
+ Burleigh winger Saxon Innes sparked a 90m try in his team’s Meninga Cup clash against Redcliffe
+ Tweed’s under 19 girls captain Sienna Smith was magnificent and centre Savannah Roberts-Hickling electric in their sides big win over Tigers
+ A Joshua Donovan intercept try swung momentum Tweeds way against an improved Tigers
+ Bears Harvey 19s’ girls pipped Redcliffe in a match after a dramatic finish
+ Blackhawks’ Jakaia Collett shone in the 19s girls against gutsy Capras
+ Arianna Martin was a two try hero for Mackay’s under 17s
+ Tigers Connell hooker Max Blanch was terrific in a losing side, but Tweed prop Ethan Jackson (power running) and edge forward and Marlie Barry (defence)
+ Clydesdales under 17 girls captain Pypa Ferguson and fellow back rowers Leteena Medland and Tayla Horrobin saddled up in defence during their sides win over the Bulls
+ Clydesdales had a four try hero, Connell Cup winger Jackson Winnett, while Toowoomba’s Harvey 19s finisher Jessica Fitzgibbons bagged three tries.
THE GAMES
TWEED SEAGULLS V BRISBANE TIGERS
Harvey Norman under-17s
Elation turned to despair for the Seagulls when Tigers dummy half Enah Desic went to pass, then decided to go herself, finding room between goal line defenders to score the winner.
That made it 14-10 after the scores had been locked 10-all just five minutes earlier by Tweed’s Maiden.
“It was a gritty performance from everyone and a great spectacle for the 17s girls game,’’ praised Tweed coach Veronica White.
It was a fabulous fixture which saw Tigers halfback Kameryn Bray conduct the match like an old-fashioned traffic cop on point duty, while prop Porche John was elite for the winners.
Her kicking game was magnificent, a performance iced when she darted over to score a brilliant individual try.
Brisbane Tigers’ defence also held for long periods in the first half, which was crucial.
The Tigers found plenty of forward momentum off the back of prop Porche John, a try scorer, who also pulled off a try-saving tackle on Tweed No. 9 Diamond Graham.
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The Seagulls had several near misses, including when elite back Natalia Hickling almost engineered a try by Claire Cropp, but the pass was ruled forward.
“Natalia Hickling is still learning the trade and has shown some potential,’’ Tweed coach Veronica White said.
Seagulls’ twins Saskia and Mackenzie Croyston maintained a high standard throughout for Tweed.
Aside from halfback Bray, Coach Kim Bray also said hooker Enah Desic, edge forward Orianna Clark and centre Namoe Gesa were tremendous.
Harvey Norman under-19s
Tweed could not have been more impressive in an unexpected try scoring avalanche against a class Tigers outfit.
Tweed won 28-8, with centre Savannah Roberts-Hickling absolutely dynamic.
She scored a runaway first half try, and then skirted across field from the ruck to address the Tigers defence to score a second try.
Linking with fullback Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, she was a formidable player in a match which featured a brainstorming performance by Tweed second rower and captain Sienna Smith and prop Lana Makin.
Tweed’s potency extended to both sides of the field in a match which also saw Phoenix-Raine Hippi score.
“We were good in patches, although there were a lot of errors in humid conditions’’ said Tweed coach Anthony Swain. “But our resilience in defence was great.’’
Tigers coach Damien Pratt said although illness had swept through the group, his side would need to improve “our one per cent errors that kept inviting them in’’.
Forward Tiresa Elika was the best for the Tigers.
Meninga Cup
A Joshua Donovan intercept try changed the momentum of the match as Tweed overcame a gallant Tigers 40-18.
Brisbane Tigers were heading for an upset win when fullback Donovan swooped, racing away at a time when Tweed were on the ropes.
Coach Sam Meskell said after the intercept, his Tweed outfit were able to go on and win the match.
Most pleasing for Meskell was the resilience shown by his side who “could have easily folded’’.
However, he said ball control remained an issue. “We are still making it hard for ourselves, not completing and inviting opposition back into matches,’’ Meskell said.
Middle forward Isaac Harrison played big minutes and worked hard for Tweed, as did Billy
Wellard and Zac Kumbamong.
Zane Harrison also kicked six-from-seven as the Seagulls soared 40-18 over a gallant Tigers outfit.
Tyson Ploegsma, Brock Lennox, Isaac Harrison, Joshua Donovan (two tries), Zac Kumbamong and Cory Pearse scored for Tweed, while Vantayvius Peo, Xavier Hellyer and Maila Setu scored for the Tigers.
The scoreline didn’t represent the closeness of the clash.
In fact, the Tigers led 18-14 with 20 minutes left. But in came Donovan with his intercept and the match slid away from Tigers.
Tigers coach Ben Weston said Connor Simpson led the charge for the Tigers at prop, playing 65 minutes straight.
Connell Cup
Tweed Seagulls impressed in its 26-10 win over the Tigers, pulling away from their rivals.
Despite Tigers hooker Max Blanch being in everything, Tweed’s ball control was superior and off the back of power forward running, depth and space was created in attack.
Tweed props Ethan Jackson and Tavake Tau’a’alo were tremendous with their charges, with both always getting onto their stomachs and offering lively hooker Jai Bilish room to run or pass.
Jackson was great for the second week in a row, but it was Tau’a’alo who really grew a leg.
Dylan Watkins on the wing was solid, centre Santino Pekepo-Tevaga powerful, but it was a strong team effort across the park.
On the other side of the ball, Marlie Barry tackled strongly on the left edge for the Tweed side to complete an impressive outing for the home side.
Dylan Watkins and Santino Pekepo-Tevaga started impressively for Tweed, and then Boston Hubbard’s explosive pace allowed him to cross as the Seagulls leapt away 16-nil.
To the Tigers credit they worked their way back into the match - Donte Tahuhu-Wilson and Elijah Breen crossed either side of the break, but superior ball control aided Tweed’s second half finish to the clash.
Tavake Tau’a’alo and Santino Pekepo-Tevaga also scored for Tweed, while for the Tigers halfback Elijah Breen also tried hard to create after Blanch’s exhaustive work with the ball and in defence.
“We finished last week with effort and intensity, and focus was doing the little things well - taking away time and space, good first contact, simple footy with patience,’’ said coach Neil Richards.
But what he liked most was the second half, the way his side stayed in the contest when things did not go their way.
For the Tigers Cooper Benvenuti worked himself to a standstill in a game where the Tigers simply had defended for too long.
BURLEIGH BEARS V REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Connell Cup
The Burleigh Bears claimed their first win of the season beating Redcliffe 16-4 in an absolute arm wrestle at Pizzey Park.
Defence and plenty of it was a feature of the match, with Bears winning a tense, tough battle.
“The lads turned up today,’’ said Burleigh coach Ryan Gundry.
“We scrambled really well in defence as a unit. We bounced back and learned from last week,’’ he said in reference to a disappointing game No. 1 performance.
Hayden Watson was a spark out of dummy half in a defensive slog which was led by Gabe Salea.
Also lighting up the ball running was fullback Seth Gundry.
During the match tensions were high, the physicality was relentless and Burleigh were able to put the game to bed with six minutes left after an important try from winger Kingston Seve.
A couple of yellow cards on the full-time siren highlighted the battle between the sides.
Burleigh’s win came on the back of its inspired goal line defence which denied Redcliffe points on countless occasions in the first half.
Tupou Francis, Te Ira Rudolph-Mokaraka, Zehanaiah Takitaki, Hayden Watson and Kilarney Lavender were excellent on that side of the ball, shutting down everything the Dolphins threw at them.
But Redcliffe were relentless and when Carter Welfare crossed for his team’s lone try, the Dolphins were back in the fight down 6-4. That was after Hayden Watson set up a brilliant try for Marley McLaren to break the nil-all deadlock.
McLaren then scored his second four pointer with two minutes left on the clock to put the nail in the coffin at 16-4.
Fullback Mereki Warradoo was superb for Redcliffe despite the referee penalising him on two occasions for jumping out to meet the hooker.
Brian Pouniu showed he is genuine NRL material with his post contact metre making, while centre Jake Carsburg was arguably the best back on the paddock.
He was brave defensively and broke the line at least three times.
Harvey Norman under-17s
A controversial call on full time prevented the Redcliffe Dolphins’ comeback edging ahead of Burleigh Bears in another mini classic on the Coast.
The Bears won 16-10 after leading 16-6.
However, down 16-10, Redcliffe prop Luisa Olomalii was ever so close to scoring but with tacklers draped all over her she was miraculously able to get an offload away. An offload caught by her teammate who was just one metre from the line with no defenders within arm’s reach.
However the referee ruled it a knock on. There is an argument there that Olomalii could have been held, but instead a scrum to Burleigh was the call on the full time hooter.
Had the referee cleared the offload, Redcliffe would have had a chance to tie with a kick from 15 metres in from touch. Regardless of the result, it was a cracker.
Halfback Yamun-Ginda Kelly-Buchanan, headgear wearing fullback Lacey McLaren and powerful centre Genesis Tupa’i crossed for the Bears, while winger Esme Hearsum and Shar-Lene Nati were the try scorers for a deserving Redcliffe side.
There were plenty of highlights, none better than the work of Shalom Sauaso who put Nati over with a piece of individual brilliance.
Sauaso, the Redcliffe halfback, was the best on ground. She was fantastic, and to put Nati in she regained her own chip and chase and got away an offload.
Around the marvellous Sauaso, hooker Raewyn Olomalii impressed with her defence, Kaelyn Passi with her crunching tackles, second rower Harlem Walker with a try saver and prop Harmony Harris with two rib rattling hits.
For Burleigh, some highlights included:
+Eta Sikahele and Tiggi Groves who was tireless with their carries
+McLaren making a brilliant trysaving tackle on Redcliffe’s Tia Molo
+Halfback Kelly-Buchanan who was excellent from start to finish.
+Burleigh lock Nikola MacDonald again giving 110 per cent to get the Bears momentum.
Meninga Cup
The Bears Cooper Bai was a defensive executioner and Saxon Innes a sprint sensation as Burleigh turned a 16-nil halftime lead into a gripping 20-12 arm wrestling win over Redcliffe.
Although they trailed by 16 points into the second half, no one at the ground would have thought Redcliffe were out of the contest.
A stunning individual try by Dolphins’ best forward Patrick Kailahi narrowed the gap to just four points, but the Bears held on.
The Bears can look back to its extended defensive effort early in the second half for the win, which was finally secured five minutes from full-time when Sunny Kama found space on the right wing.
Bears coach Ben Linde said defence was the foundation of the win.
“I was very happy with our defence,’’ he said.
“We worked really hard on that and I was really happy, as much as we gave them a lot of balls through coughing it back up.
“But we defended our errors well. It is a big box to tick as a coach.’’
Linde had high praise for his middle forwards as well, along with fullback Ray Puru’s work around the ruck and Coby Black’s kicking game.
“Our middles were really strong and did their job. We set them a challenge, and they accepted the challenge,’’ Linde said.
He said the side would continue to work on its kicking game.
“We will work on systems and shapes and get everyone on the same page (in attack), but I know that will come,’’ Linde added.
The match was highlighted by a kick return from Innes’ who exploded across the field, then straightened to blast through and run down the centre of the field. Innes then unloaded to his centre Tonihi who scored. You can’t coach pace and Innes’ has plenty of it.
Innes’ speed also helped him save a try in the second half when he ran down runaway Redcliffe hooker Mathias Santo-Hero.
Not long after Innes’ creation of the try, Burleigh fullback Ray Puru then huffed and puffed his way over and all of a sudden it went from 6-nil to 16 nil.
Burleigh fullback Puru was a constant threat pushing up alongside the ruck when the Bears had momentum.
While Bears were dangerous in attack, they had terror in defence - No. 13 Cooper Bai - who gave his all. At times there seemed to be two of him.
Burleigh would have been further ahead had Jayden Butt and Zac Garton not saved tries with tryline tackles either side of halftime.
A stunning runaway try by centre Disharne Tonihi, which was created by Saxon Innes’ blinding pace, was responsible for the scoreboard distance between the two sides midway through the first half.
Bailey McConnell surprisingly dropped the ball when another try loomed following a Ray Puru burst, but Redcliffe clung in the contest.
The game started with a lovely long pass by Coby Black creating a try for his centre Disharne Tonihi.
Black’s halves partner Bailey McConnell was also an accomplished, professional performer at No. 6, taking pressure off Black.
Giant Redcliffe forward Kailahi was his team’s best, while lock Lewis Symonds tried hard as did Baylen Donald. Michael Waqa had his moments at prop and was strong and direct in his return to the Dolphins’ side.
Harvey Norman under-19s
The Redcliffe Dolphins were comeback queens against Burleigh, turning a 16-0 deficit into a 26-20 victory courtesy of a Tianah Teo double and some Reegan Hicks magic.
Teo scored a beauty, kicking ahead for chaser Hicks who then unloaded back to Teo who scored. Shortly after, Teo scored another through sheer speed, the five-eighth getting on the outside of her defender and storming away.
To finish the 20-4 scoring surge after finding themselves 16-0 down early, the Dolphins pounced through Hicks to land the final blow.
With the scores tied at 20-all, Kiera Rangi sliced through the defence of Burleigh and struck away before finding a rampaging Hicks on her inside - Hicks’ 60th minute try completing the comeback of the season so far.
It was magic - particularly given the Dolphins only had 15 players - and four girls backed up after the under 17s.
Prior to this, Liarna Barber-Salvation, Sarina Masaga, Nadia Windleborn and Gabrielle Lolohea scored for Burleigh to get them off to a flyer.
At this stage they looked certain to win.
Dolphins coach Jason Goulding said belief was key to the win.
“While the scoreboard did not reflect our first half effort, we were starting to win the game, we could feel it, and wanted to back ourselves and stay in the game,’’ Goulding said.
He said he loved how gritty the side was, “how they turned up and did the job’’.
Representative prop Regan Hicks was enormous in a team performance that also featured centre Kiana Henare shining and Armarni-lea Auvae working tirelessly “with no peaks’’.
Mya Sautia was also a workhorse, but overall coach Goulding was most pleased with the girls ability to back up after two hard games leading into the clash.
CQ CAPRAS V TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Harvey Norman under-17s
The young Blackhawks got the job done against defiant rivals on a blinding green Browne Park in Rockhampton.
In greasy conditions Blackhawks won 18-4, laying a first half foundation when they skipped to a 14-nil advantage.
Capras’ Channelle Williams then breathed life into the match with a 33rd minute try, closing the margin to 14-4.
Capras also rallied in defence during the second half, both around the ruck and when Blackhawks did wide sweeps.
It was gutsy stuff by the home side.
But ultimately the power forwards - particularly edge Collett - was hard to halt, leading to a left edge movement across the field that saw Kira and Mataa link and put Chloe Maxwell over. That made it 18-4.
With quick ruck speed the Blackhawks asserted themselves in a flowing, entertaining first half against Capras.
“We knew Blackhawks were going to be tough to beat with their size and strength, but I am happy with the girls’ efforts in the second half to hold them out,’’ said Capras coach Nikki Carpenter.
Macey Evans, Channelle Williams and Madeline Johnson and Caydence Fouracre were among the best for Capras who put in, despite the loss.
Marayah Tapau-Taylor scored early for Blachawks, and later in the first half five Brooke Kira took play across field and brought Jakaia Collett back on an inside run. Collett then found a channel to the line.
Although Jakaia Collett scored the Blackhawks’ third try, it came as a result of centre Hollie Parkes forcing an error from an attacking kick when she jolted the ball free.
Parkes enthusiasm chasing kicks from Kira and Teyanna Mataa was evident throughout, while hooker Olivia Fletcher expertly cleared the ruck to her halves which aided Townsville’s brisk play.
Connell Cup
Blackhawks prop Sitiveni Afu was a workhorse as the Townsville side produced a hard earned 16-6 win over 16-6.
Afu was a tireless work horse, playing the entire match to pile drive his side forward against willing opponents who turned up in defence.
Blackhawks coach Nathan Norford said it was not a pretty win, but the side worked hard in defence to earn its tough away victory.
Capras coach Duane Carpenter said his team was hamstrung by “uncharacteristically poor’’ handling.
“We made too many simple mistakes,’’ he said.
He said the team’s game management was also average, and when the side came back into the contest, “we blew four or five opportunities to take the game’’.
Blackhawks’ Marley Proctor and Heath Bethel both scored in the second half, giving their side the advantage in a game which could have gone either way.
That said, one of the top players on the field was hooker Jay Marsh who was outstanding in defence and who controlled the ruck.
Old campaigner Jake Oberhardt picked up where he left off last season, with his defence at times devastating.
Meninga Cup
Blackhawks coach Luke Harlen sung the praises of his team’s effort in its win over the Capras.
There was not a struck match in the clash, but the Townsville side ramped up and got away from their opponents.
“It got pretty tight but they found another gear and kicked on,’’ Harlen said.
He also had high praise for CQ as a tough and committed side.
The Blackhawks won 38-16 in a back-and-forth clash played out at Browne Park.
The Blackhawks began well and jumped to an early 12-0 lead before the Capras responded with two tries before the half.
Braelan Marsh, Mataio Tapau-Bon and Ryder Huth scored for the Capras, but the Blackhawks had firepower in every compartment.
In the end, the Blackhawks were too good, winning by 22 and scoring seven tries to the Capras three.
Logan Deininger, Wil Hope, Anthony Iorangi (two tries), Kanye Pua’avase, Davidson Benioni, Loranzo Fono scored for the Blackhawks.
Best for the winners were No.13 Fono, Ethan Rains at hooker and half Lachlan Erba.
Capras 19s coach Peter Rodgers said defence would be the squad’s focus this week. “There were some good efforts but as a whole we need to improve,’’ he said.
“It was a disappointing result. We are a better team than was displayed.’’
Harvey Norman under-19s
Defence and hard work were the key to the Capras grinding 14-10 win over Blackhawks today.
Coach Cedric Auda had high praise for the team defence after the outfit had worked hard during the week to make sure each player was in a position to contribute.
That Blackhawks only scored 10 points delighted Auda as his girls displayed grit and determination.
In attack work will continue on the players connection this week at training.
Auda said his middle forwards, both the starting props and the interchange forwards, were strong throughout, rotating their way through the game.
In a close match, Tahlia Shuker and Mackayla Oakley scored early, with Ella Lindsay finding the tryline in the second half.
Blackhawks surged in the second half, with Lhylla Williamson and Chloe Watson scoring, while Hannah De Daunton ensured a thrilling finish with a conversion that cut the margin to just four points.
Blackhawks Harvey 19s coach Rob Hall said his team’s performance was marred by poor handling - but still could have won.
He said the side completed just 40 per cent of sets, and would work on ball control in the weeks ahead.
Prop Easther Mekaele and edge forward Lhylla Williamson were Blackhawks’ best.
WIDE BAY BULLS V WESTERN CLYDESDALES
Harvey Norman under-17s
Clydesdales under 17 girls captain Pypa Ferguson led the way as her side beat a big hearted Bulls 42-nil.
Fellow Clydesdales’ back rowers, Oakey product Leteena Medland and Tayla Horrobin also saddled up in defence during their sides good wins.
Medland opened the scoring for the Clydesdales and scored another one later on, joining hat-trick hero Pypah in the scorers column.
Around this potent duo, Tayla Horrobin (two tries), Chloe Thompson and Mia Byrnes crossed to give the Clydesdales a confidence boosting first round win.
Clydesdales’ coach Russell Jones said aside from her back rowers, half Aaliyah Murray and Mia Burns at fullback were tremendous.
Mia Byrnes and Chloe Thomson also scored for the winners who had a happy trip home.
Connell Cup
The Western Clydesdales back rowers were outstanding and Braithen Scott was his usual best as they claimed a 46-12 win over the Bulls.
Clydesdales winger Jackson Winnett also raced in four tries as his team produced a ruthless first half performance to set the win up.
Coach Ned Murphy said his side played well in the first half, staying in the contest, running hard, kicking long with the wind and chasing.
Captain and second rower Riley Zanette led by example, with his fellow edge forward Lachlan Lyons blowing out pre-season wob webs.
No. 13 Shaun Elara was possibly the pick of the bunch and the Clydesdales will be well served by him this season.
And of course around his forwards, halfback Braithen Scott was top of the pops.
It was also a great day for young winger Winnett who scorched over for four tries.
Harvey Norman under-19s
The Clydesdales had an early season blowout win, running in 11 tries to defeat the Bulls 50-0.
Jessica Fitzgibbons scored four in a dazzling display at centre. Around her, Lucy Davis (two), Rianna Haverhoek, Katelyn Collie, Lucy Anlezark and Jessie Friedrichs (two) were tryscorers.
What a start to the season it was.
Centre Jessica Fitzgibbons was a three try hero in her team’s 50-nil win over Wide Bay.
Wide Bay held its ground for the opening quarter of the game, but as the match progressed, a weight of possession contributed to Clydesdales’ momentum.
Meninga Cup
The Clydesdales started the season on a positive note with a 30-6 win over the Bulls in tough, windy conditions in Bundaberg.
Matthew Drews (two tries), Jiale Litidamu, Joey Sankey, Luke Cesari and Carter Blades scored for the Clydesdales, and Curtin Brierley for the Bulls.
Clydesdales head coach Gus McKellar praised the work of lock Lyucian King-Togia who held down the middle like his life depended on it.
Helping him on defence was second rower Trace Beattie, while Luke Cesari and Jiale Litidamu were forces in the centres.
MACKAY CUTTERS V NORTHERN PRIDE
Harvey Norman under-17s
The Northern Pride pushed its season off to a winning start in a highly competitive match.
A grand performance by Pride edge forward Elishama Suavai helped them pull away from Mackay to win 24-10.
Arianna Martin scored second half doubles to break the game open for Pride after Cutters had stolen a first half lead courtesy of Courtney Harris and Ella Duncan scoring.
Pride’s golden patch propelled them into the lead, helped by tries to Jaeda Morato and Summer-Rose Phair.
Winger Lilly Giblett was best for the Cutters, playing a mighty match, while Elishama Suavai was her team’s best in a winning Pride outfit.
Connell Cup
Interchange ace Joshua Toby second half double helped propel Mackay Cutters to a season opening 26-10 win over a gritty Northern Pride.
Toby scored twice within the space of 10 minutes as the Cutters moved clear of their rivals after turning at the break level pegging.
Despite the best efforts of their rivals, the Cutters controlled possession better and deservedly hit the finishing line ahead.
“As a whole I was happy with our first game,’’ said Mackay coach David Roberts.
“We were a little scrappy in the first half, but the team responded well to our chat at halftime and we were a lot better.’’
Pride coach Kris O’Farrell lamented poor ball control in his team’s second half slide, although he was proud of the team’s spirit and effort in defence. “In the second half we kept turning up defensively,’’ O’Farrell said.
Pride was led by No. 13 Cayde Miller who loved the tough stuff. He carried strongly all game.
Northern Pride fullback Braith Clubb also shone for his side.
For the winners Toby was dynamic while reliable forward Cohen Jackson was at his best.
Harvey Norman under-19s
Mackay winger La Naliah Hine was a young star as her side overcame Northern Pride 30-nil in sultry conditions this afternoon.
Hine earned high praise from coach Matt Sanders for not only her finishing - she scored two tries - but also who ruck runs and defence.
She was certainly the full package for a side which led early when Paityne Johns and Miah Powell scored.
Indeed Mackay’s best football was in the first half - both in defence and attack - and as the match unfolded the team’s attack became less effective.
Keely Pitt and Jennifer Kimber also scored for Mackay.
Northern Pride head coach Floria King-Smith praised the work of second rower Syianna Banu who “was outstanding,” as well as halfback Teesha Potts who was strong.
“We showed that we have some fight … Our women understand what they represent and are working hard to compete with their opposition.
“We had some good football in us today,” King-Smith concluded.
Meninga Cup
The best was saved till last in the Meninga Cup.
It was a real arm wrestle between the two sides, but the defence of the Pride got the job done 16-10.
Liam Doherty and Xavier Kerrisk scored for the Cutters in the first half, and Ratu Kikau and Mason Kira for the Pride to hit back late in the second.
In the second half, a try by Jett Boggian was the difference but Pride head coach Bevan Walker said it was the defence of his team that earned the result.
“They were defensively outstanding,” he said.
“Our defence got the boys the result.
“It was a team effort, in every part.”
Pride was skippered by edge forward Lachlan Magill.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS V IPSWICH JETS
Meninga Cup
The Sunshine Coast Falcons escaped a second-half surge by the Jets to run away 16-14 winners in a round one nailbiter.
The Falcons started like a house on fire, but the Jets worked into the game well after nailing down on discipline.
“I thought the boys were very composed in the first half, completed well and got our defensive systems right,’’ noted Falcons coach Cam Boaza.
“We fell away from that in the second half, put ourselves under pressure and the Jets took advantage of scoring a couple.’’
Boaza said he would like his side not to give the football away when under pressure, and also do the simple things well and be more direct.’’
Second rower Tyrell Hopknis and prop Cooper Clarke were fantastic for the Falcons, while lock Mitch Bebbington and skipper Jackson Kite also flew the flag high for the Sunny Coast.
Brock Sankey, Clive McCormack and Tyrell Hopknis scored for the home side Sunshine Coast, while Kanaan Magele, Saifiti Junior Saifiti and Amaziah Murgha bagged four pointers for Ipswich.
In the end, conversions were the difference in what was a gruelling clash featuring three sin-bins.
Connell Cup
The Ipswich Jets surged to a 24-6 win in this one, the Sunshine Coast suffering from having two yellow cards throughout the game.
Wingers Conrad Browne and Ceasar Yeatman, hooker Bailey Vang, Finn Kendall, and Mairangiatea Walker scored for the visitors while hot stepping halfback Toby Irvine scored the lone try for the Sunshine Coast early in the game.
“We probably left close to 24 points out there,” Jets head coach Jye Tuaimau-Gadsdon concluded.
Tuaimau-Gadsdon was impressed with the work of utility Mairangiatea Walker who played as a lock and shone bright. Bailey Vang also produced a 60 minute performance and did a stellar job.
For the Sunshine Coast, lock and captain Jackson Koina was tireless.
“Their No. 13 their lock. He did not stop trying,” Tuaimau-Gadsdon praised.
“They had two periods where they had a man 10 in the bin.
“He kept working.”
Alongside Koina, the likes of Tyson Fallon-May and interchanges Jett Ryan, Kaio Moses, Keagan Zanchetta and Nash Tollen were strong.
WALKER’S PASS
The silky smooth right to left passing of Tyson Walker to his winger Conrad Browne is going to cause problems for opposition defences this season.
A Roosters signed, Walker is a player who has time and he is looking more and more sure of every decision he is making out there on the paddock.
He will be key in getting the best out of Jets wingers Conrad Browne and Ceasar Yeatman but today he was punished for a couple forward passes.
Harvey Norman under-17s
The Falcons feasted 16-4 in this one, Emily Maher, Alexa Burgess (two tries), Ella Willison, Aamira Renouf, and Ayslinn Pollock crossing for the home side in the 12-point-win.
For the Jets, Summer Hoet crossed but it was all one way traffic.
Harvey Norman under-19s
The Falcons flew high again in the under-19s contest, with Mia Vines delivering three tries to give her side the edge.
Takoda Thompson and Jasmine Murray also scored, while Sky Antoniolli kicked four-from-five off the tee.
Zebadiah Latu Mulumulu and Jakeisha Watego bagged tries for the visitors.
Originally published as Meninga, Connell Cups; Harvey girls round 2 matches
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