A strong first half showing – which included a hat-trick to halfback Todd Murphy saw the Norths Devils hold on against the CQ Capras at Browne Park on Saturday night.
Murphy opened the scoring for the visitors early with a stepping run in the fifth minute for his first points of the afternoon.
He also had a perfect night with the boot, converting all five tries and their lone points in the second half – a late penalty goal.
The Capras responded well enough to get on the board next through big winger Marco Delapena – but were then outworked in the ruck in the first half by Norths.
The Devils forwards were allowed to dominate and set the platform in the first half and a key 15-minute period mid-way through the half saw them run in three tries in a row to go out to a 24-4 lead.
A try apiece before the break however, including Murphy’s third saw halftime scores rest on 30-10.
After being guilty of not showing enough enthusiasm and failing to take the chances they were given in the first half, the home side were a different team in the second.
They delivered as per coach Kim Williams game plan and mounted a spirited comeback, scoring three tries and keeping their opposition tryless.
After the game, Williams said a poor opening half had cost his side has cost him the game.
“Another slow start has cost us again, as has happened in the trials and in Round 1; but I was very encouraged by the commitment shown by the team in the second half.”
As well as Murphy, Devils players who were a handful for the Capras included ranging winger Michael Lucas who created a few busts in attack.
For the home side, the effort of Brandon Manase, who scored a double for his side, was rewarded with the Capras Player of the Match and Players’ Player awards.
This weekend, the Capras will host the Ipswich Jets while the Devils will host fellow Round 2 winners the Northern Pride.
Click here to see the video highlights.
NORTHS DEVILS 32 (Todd Murphy 3, Trae Clark, Matiu Love-Henry tries; Todd Murphy 6 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 24 (Brandon Manase 2, William Cullen 2, Marco Delapena tries; Matthew Minto 2 goals) at Browne Park.
Head to QRL Live for the full scoring details and final team lists for this match
Round 2 match reports:
Tigers get on the board v Falcons
Townsville down Jets to stay unbeaten
Bears beat Gulls to top the ladder
Hunters conquer Kougari Oval
Bowen stars in Pride’s win v Cutters
Young Magpies upset Phins
