The Falcons moved to the top of the Intrust Super Cup table – despite leaving it until late to record a 38-14 win over the CQ Capras at Sunshine Coast Stadium yesterday.
The side have been on a roll of late, winning their past five games, including their last three in front of their home fans.
While it was always going to be a challenge for the visiting Capras to snare a win for their co-captain Guy Williams who featured in his 200th Cup game; they didn’t to themselves any favours by allowing Falcons winger Sam Wright cross in the opening minute.
While crafty hooker Krys Freeman then grabbed one back for the CQ side with an elusive dart to the line in the seventh minute, the home side only took 10 minutes to respond, with Joe Stimson adding to the tally.
Melbourne Storm-contracted hooker Brandon Smith – who had another strong outing in the black and gold – set up the next scoring opportunity after linking with his halfback Guy Hamilton for the first of his two tries.
The Falcons were well and truly on the front foot by the halftime break, with Whetu Austin’s late strike down the left edge giving his side a 20-6 advantage.
See the gallery for this game here
However, as they often do – the Capras then produced a comeback and enjoyed their best passage of play in the match which produced two point-scoring plays.
Noted try scorer Tony Tumusa – a former Falcon himself – crossed early for the visitors (41st minute) and that effort was backed up soon after in the 47th minute by Maipele Morseau who got his team within touching distance to trail 20-14.
It remained a close contest until the more experienced Falcons kicked their game up a notch, with the hard-to-stop Tui Kamikamica crashing over the line thanks to a Sean Yorston pass, to give his side some breathing room.
That seemed to break the spirits of the Capras, who’s defensive efforts up to that time had been commendable.
Smith had his hand in another try at the end of the game with the Falcons scoring twice in the last 10 minutes.
Firstly, skipper Alex Bishop crossed the line to seal the result, while Hamilton picked up his second not long after to blow out the final score.
Next week – the Falcons will be ensuring they start their game with the same intensity they finished this one with as they will come up against ‘big brother’ the Redcliffe Dolphins in what is always a spirited clash.
The Capras will again be lamenting their inability to play a full 80 minutes – despite again showing promise in patches. Next Saturday they travel to BMD Kougari Oval to take on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 38 (Guy Hamilton 2, Samuel Wright, Joe Stimson, Whetu Austin, Tui Kamikamica, Alex Bishop tries; Guy Hamilton 5 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 14 (Krys Freeman, Tony Tumusa, Maipele Morseau tries; Tony Tumusa goal) at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
*This match report was produced with assistance from Alex Nolan - Sunshine Coast Daily
