The Norths Devils Under 16s have scored themselves another victory in the Cyril Connell Cup competition – recording a 50-8 result against the Northern Pride in their quarter final played at Bishop Park on Saturday.
The team are yet to be defeated in the competition so far, having scored seven wins from seven games, as well as granting them a spot in the semi finals this coming weekend.
Coach Mike Stevens said he couldn’t be prouder of his team.
“They all worked really hard in the off season to get to where we are now and we’ve achieved so much this season because of it,” he said.
Cyril Connell Cup semi finals - follow via QRL Live here
The match against the Pride saw two tries from prop and man of the match Ethan Bullemor, with another two tries from Zakaria McGuire and one each from Carl Jackson and Kalem Brown all before halftime where they lead 18-8.
The Pride were unable to match it with the Devils in the second half, as the home side went up a notch and prevented their opposition from scoring any further points in the match; while going on to score another four tries of their own before the final whistle.
Stevens said despite the combination of some big wins and a few close calls throughout the season, his team really pulled it together on the day.
“The whole team was fantastic; we were really tough and stepped it up a gear this round,” he said.
“The Pride were great in the first half, but our defence was strong and we were able to come through with another win.”
As for his most improved player of the season, an honourable mention went to Kiu Nuku-Ngala, described as “a very hardworking boy”.
Ahead of the semi finals this weekend which will see the Devils go up against the Souths Logan Magpies who defeated the Ipswich Diggers in their match, Stevens said his main focus was to have his team contain their opposition as much as possible.
“[Souths] are the benchmark for this competition; they’re a whole other challenge for us,” he said.
“They’ve really got strike weapons all over the field, so our job is just going to be maintaining our strong defence.”
The upcoming semi finals will also see the Townsville Blackhawks go head-to-head with the Toowoomba Clydesdales as all four teams battle it out for a spot in the grand final to take place on Sunday, May 8.
Mal Meninga Cup semi finals - follow via QRL Live here
In the Mal Meninga Cup, the Devils are again in action and will play Gold Coast White for their chance to progress into the grand final, while in the other game, the Blackhawks will play against the Sunshine Coast for a spot in the finals.
Last year – Townsville defeated the Falcons in the state final of the Under Cyril Connell Cup and it is interesting to see some familiar faces lining up to face each other in this Under 18 elimination final.
Best of luck to all teams involved!
Read More:
Semi Finalists decided for CCMM
Head to the Titans website to watch a video feature about the Gold Coast White and Gold Coast Green teams.
