The return of the In Safe Hands Cup last weekend also saw the return of form for the Panthers, Tigers and Diehards.
Valleys travelled to BMD Kougari Oval for the first time in 2017 expecting a tough day at the office against the competition leaders, Wynnum Manly. In wet conditions both sides were involved in an arm wrestle with Diehards slightly ahead on possesion and field position. An error from Seagulls fullback Benai Bowie under a high ball had the Steeden land nicely into the hands of lock forward Jarryd Dodd to fall over the chalk to open the scoring account.
A crossfield Hayden Lipp kick found Dane Chang with one to beat to the tryline to increase the visitors’ lead.
The try of the match started just inside the Seagulls half. A flat-footed Liam Herrington set sail for the try line after the ball was kept alive by Ryley Kajewski and Gary Riccardi. The skipper danced his way to within 10m, then wrestled free from a Hayden Crowley tackle then put a fend on the last man in his way, the fullback Bowie, to cross the line in a tremendous try. At halftime the Diehards led 16-0.
Returning for the second half, Valleys big man Troyden Watene busted some moves to offload for hooker Chris Aiton’s try to continue the onslaught. The Seagulls put their first points on through Mitchell Buckett in the right corner. Buckett took three Diehards to the try line to give the Seagulls some chance. However, it was not to be.
A Ryley Kajewski break found fellow forward Jake Kelly in support to go over, then right on fulltime Lipp ran half the field to finish off a 75m movement to score out wide. Valleys too strong, 32-6.
Valleys coach Don Gailer was full of praise for his team’s defensive efforts. “Our line defence was the best part of our game. The guys stuck to it for 80 minutes, particularly the last 10. To play that well against a side that big and with plenty of talent was very pleasing.” Gailer was also impressed by the return of half back Gary Riccardi, who suffered a broken hip this year.
Panthers end losing streak
The West Brisbane Panthers came from 8-0 down at halftime to end their four-game losing streak at the North Ipswich Reserve. The Panthers scored 16 unanswered points, the highlight a quarterback style pass from Michael Pearsall to an unmarked Adam Wickins in the corner.
Tigers roll on
On Sunday, the Tigers recorded their fourth win in a row to come out on top over the Redcliffe Dolphins.
It was the premiers second loss in a row. With Brandon Downey promoted, Maeli Seve took on the try scoring duties, registering a double, while the forwards from Redcliffe collected all their four pointers, Nathan Watts smashing across the chalk twice.
The Seagulls remain at the top of the In Safe Hands Cup while two points separates second to sixth.
IN SAFE HANDS CUP - ROUND 11 results
June 10-11
West Brisbane Panthers 16 (Adam Wickins, Paul Ulberg, Troy Swift Tries: James Sharkie 2 goals) def Ipswich Jets 8 (Denzel King Try; Mikaere Beattie 2 goals)
Valleys Diehards 32 (Dane Chang, Hayden Lipp, Liam Herrington, Chris Aiton, Jacob Kelly, Jarryd Dodd Tries; Hayden Lipp 4 goals) def Wynnum Manly Seagulls 6 (Mitchell Buckett Try; Paora Kemp goal)
Easts Tigers 28 (Maeli Seve 2, David McKenna, Andrew Thompson, Tekina Valiea Tries; Brayden Torpy 4 goals) def Redcliffe Dolphins 24 (Nathan Watts 2, Hayden Hansen, Samson Graham Tries; Kyle Van Klaveren 4 goals).
Logan Brothers – bye
