Redcliffe reasserted their premiership credentials as they defeated the Easts Tigers 22-12 at Dolphin Oval yesterday.
However, it was a game that never rose to the heights of previous clashes between these two great clubs, with coach Adam Mogg aptly describing it as a scrappy win for his side.
It was the Tigers who opened the scoring in the seventh minute after they were presented with the opportunity of a scrum 10m from the Redcliffe line after the home team dropped a Gerrard McCallum bomb.
In the set following the scrum, Mark Nicholls crashed over to the left of the posts and Brandon Downey slotted the conversion to give the visitors the early lead.
Penalties punished
The Dolphins struck back in the 25th minute after Easts gifted them back-to-back penalties to allow them to roll downfield. Myles Taueli got a fantastic ball from Tyson Cleal who put him into a gap.
He showed plenty of pace and a step to wrong-foot the defence. Tyson Gamble slotted the conversion and the scores were locked at 6-6.
In the very next set, Christian Hazard dashed 40m after following up on a well-worked break that saw him receive the ball in space.
He scored on the same blade of grass as Taueli had, and Gamble added the two points and in the blink of an eye – the Dolphins had a 12-6 lead.
Moments matter
After suffering two losses on the trot, the Dolphins regained their form, and won this one because they played better in the key moments.
They also won the battle in the middle of the field with their pack making good metres with the ball in hand and were able to stop the Tigers pack from doing the same.
Hazard zone
Hazard was the Dolphins lynchpin and was at the heart of much of their creativity. He was well supported by forward Matt Lodge and Gamble who were strong all day.
For the Tigers, Dean Britt was one of their best; as he has been for much of the year. Veteran Mat Pitman also tried hard in his two spells and looked good.
In Round 15, both teams will have the weekend off with the bye.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 22 (Myles Taueli, Christian Hazard, Zach Strasser, Daniel Bridge tries; Tyson Gamble 3 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 12 (Mark Nicholls, Mat Pitman tries; Brandon Downey 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.
