The Redcliffe Dolphins capped off their undefeated season in grand fashion; beating the Mackay Cutters 34-12 to claim this year’s FOGS Under 20s Cup state title.
Dolphins coach Scott Murray paid credit to his squad's hard work all season long and was pleased it concluded in a grand final victory.
“They’ve been really good all year and it’s just kinda just desserts today,” Murray said.
“I’m really pleased with the boys that they were able to play close to their best and I thought the opposition in Mackay were pretty good.”
The Redcliffe side started strongly with two quick tries to speedy fullback Trai Fuller and centre Corban Daniels for an early lead.
However, the Cutters answered back with four-pointers to George Prior and Darcy Head just before and after halftime to put the contest back in the balance and them in the lead 12-10.
“We just kinda had to hold our nerve a little bit there, but in saying that they were gaining some momentum in the game and we had to work pretty hard to get that back,” Murray said.
“I thought our middle guys and front row did a great job of getting that momentum back. We played on the back of that and got some nice tries.”
Spurred back into action, the Dolphins then went on a run to post four unanswered tries in the second half to post a dominant win – all while shutting out the opposition.
Fuller and winger Michael Walit would end with two tries each, with Daniels and Mitchell McPaul also crossing the line.
Team captain and man-of-the-match Reece Braun capped off the grand final by posting five out of six conversions attempts.
According to Murray, while his team has a lot to celebrate now – there is still more work ahead this season.
“They’ve been a fantastic bunch and they keep getting better each week,” Murray said.
“This is out first competition of the year, and we start again next week, so it’s another challenge. “
For Mackay, while it was a disappointing way to end their season – they can still hold their heads high having competed well throuhout the season.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 34 (Trai Fuller 2, Michael Walit 2, Corban Daniels, Mitchell McPaul tries; Reece Braun 5 goals) def MACKAY CUTTERS 12 (George Prior, Darcy Head tries; Jacob Bourke 2 goals) at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park
Halftime: Redcliffe 10-6
Man of the Match: Reece Braun (Redcliffe Dolphins)
