The Mendi Blackhawks are back in the winner’s circle after a 26-16 win against the Redcliffe Dolphins in Townsville yesterday.
Both teams came into this match following disappointing losses; with Townsville suffering a record defeat at the hands of PNG, while Redcliffe were shock losers against the last-placed Tweed Heads Seagulls.
The sides came into the game with a positive attitude and it was the Dolphins who were first to put points on the board in 24th minute when big winger Curtis Johnston crossed the line.
However, that was soon followed by two quick tries to the Blackhawks; the first to Carlin Anderson on the back of a Michael Parker-Walshe grubber.
Next, leading Intrust Super Cup Try Scorer Jonathan Reuben scooped up an untouched high ball just before halftime, scoring under the posts to take the home team to a 10-6 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Blackhawks scored three tries-to-two, including one just after half time from Kyle Laybutt, who received a great Kierran Moseley offload.
Dolphins centre Thompson Teteh answered back for his side in the 46th minute with a try – but when in-form forward Corey Jensen powered across the line in the 52nd minute the momentum of the game changed.
The home side extended their lead when Blackhawks speedster Anderson crossed again, giving him a double for the day and an unassailable lead.
However, the Dolphins fought to the end and Jonus Pearson was over in the 75th minute to round out the scoring for the day.
This match served as a Women In League celebration for the Blackhawks with a function hosted by Peter Parr from the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys with special guest Tracy Bevan from the McGrath Foundation held earlier in the day. Players from the Cowboys and Mendi Blackhawks were also in attendance.
The event raised much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation and it was also used as an opportunity to say thank you to wonderful women involved in rugby league.
The Mendi Blackhawks are auctioning off the special PINK jerseys the team wore in win on their website. Bids close 5pm Wednesday.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS 26 (Carlin Anderson 2, Jonathon Reuben, Kyle Laybutt, Corey Jensen tries; Carlin Anderson 3 goals) def REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 16 (Curtis Johnston, Thompson Teteh, Jonus Pearson tries; Jonus Pearson 2 goals) at Jack Manski Oval.
