The Sunshine Coast Falcons moved one step closer to their aim of claiming the number one spot on the ladder after a 44-26 win over the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park in Round 21.
After a tough loss last weekend against the Burleigh Bears, the Falcons were determined to give it their all for this game and sure enough, they were able to turn things around and claim the strong win.
“We definitely bounced back from last weekend. The Capras are always a tough side to beat at the home and are tough competition this time of the year,” Falcons coach Craig Ingebrigtsen said.
However, it wasn’t the ideal start for the Sunshine Coast side who were stunned by a resolute Capras cavalry and they were down 12-0 after as many minutes with Gavin Hiscox and Nathan Bassani crossing early for the home side.
But the Falcons soon rallied in defence, and that effort soon saw them lift their attack as well, with the side scoring 26 unanswered points in the lead-up to the break; going into the sheds leading 26-12.
“The boys were pretty disappointed with their start and we discussed that the opposition was not going away and there was another 40 minutes of footy left,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“We were clinical in little things, we started well and let them in, but we gained confidence as the game went on.”
The intensity from the Falcons did not go away in the second half when they scored another 18 points.
The Capras too were able to find the tryline for three more scores, with Junior Kirisome going over the line and Ken Tofilau over for a double.
It was a two-try performance as well for Falcons Scott Drinkwater, Justin Olam and Louis Geraghty, with their coach praising their contribution.
“Their input was good and they pushed up on the footy to get their tries. Two of the boys are only 19 year olds,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“I am happy to have young men playing against more experienced players and holding the club in good stead for the future.”
The Falcons are sitting comfortably near the top of the ladder and Ingebrigtsen could not be prouder of his side.
“I am proud of how far the boys have come. Not long ago the side had lost 37 games straight but the organisation has improved,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“Redcliffe Dolphins are right on our hammer and we are going to be consistent for the remaining season and the finals.”
Next weekend, the Falcons will head up north for their clash against the Mackay Cutters and Ingebrigtsen will be preparing for another tough game.
However, he is hoping his side’s defensive effort can improve.
“We will need to work on our defence this weekend. The Cutters are a side that have a lot of points in them and they are a young footy side,” Ingebrigtsen said.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 44 (Scott Drinkwater 2, Justin Olam 2, Louis Geraghty 2, Alexander Copelin, Harrison Muller tries; Guy Hamilton 4, Khan Ahwang 2 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 26 (Ken Tofilau 2, Gavin Hiscox, Nathan Bassani, Junior Kirisome tries; Cody Grills 2, Tony Tumusa goals) at Browne Park.
