THE Mackay Cutters recorded their third-straight win last night after producing a whirlwind finish to topple the Norths Devils 34-16 at Virgin Australia Stadium.
Courtesy of a Jarrod Wallace double, the Devils hit the front 16-14 after 60 minutes.
But the Cutters turned it on the final stages to grab an impressive round six victory and a share of the competition lead.
Having only made the finals once back in 2010 under the coaching of Paul Bramley the Cutters finally appear to be delivering on their promise and loom as a genuine title threat even at this early stage of the season.
Last night, the Cutters controlled the tempo of the first half to lead 14-6 at the break.
The Devils lifted though to put the hosts under pressure, but ultimately the Cutters class told in the final 20 minutes of the match.
Norths went into the match without suspended back-rower Chris McLean, one of the Devils' best this year.
Mackay fullback and former Raider David Milne showed his class with two tries, while giant winger Bureta Faraimo chimed in with a fine double of his own in the six tries to three victory.
For the second time in two weeks, Mackay sharp-shooter Liam Taylor booted five goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over nicely for the home team.
The Cutters brought in Cowboys enforcer Ashton Sims and former Melbourne Storm young gun Matt Constantinou before kick off, with the duo replacing Pulou Vaituutuu and Michael Comerford.
Mackay is back at home next weekend for a showdown against the in-form Tweed Heads, while Norths will pick up two competition points courtesy of the bye.
MACKAY CUTTERS 34 (David Milne 2, Bureta Faraimo 2, Curtis Rona, Dean Webster tries; Liam Taylor 5 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 16 (Jarrod Wallace 2, Namila Davui tries; Luke Samoa 2 goals) at Virgin Australia Stadium.
Courtesy of a Jarrod Wallace double, the Devils hit the front 16-14 after 60 minutes.
But the Cutters turned it on the final stages to grab an impressive round six victory and a share of the competition lead.
Having only made the finals once back in 2010 under the coaching of Paul Bramley the Cutters finally appear to be delivering on their promise and loom as a genuine title threat even at this early stage of the season.
Last night, the Cutters controlled the tempo of the first half to lead 14-6 at the break.
The Devils lifted though to put the hosts under pressure, but ultimately the Cutters class told in the final 20 minutes of the match.
Norths went into the match without suspended back-rower Chris McLean, one of the Devils' best this year.
Mackay fullback and former Raider David Milne showed his class with two tries, while giant winger Bureta Faraimo chimed in with a fine double of his own in the six tries to three victory.
For the second time in two weeks, Mackay sharp-shooter Liam Taylor booted five goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over nicely for the home team.
The Cutters brought in Cowboys enforcer Ashton Sims and former Melbourne Storm young gun Matt Constantinou before kick off, with the duo replacing Pulou Vaituutuu and Michael Comerford.
Mackay is back at home next weekend for a showdown against the in-form Tweed Heads, while Norths will pick up two competition points courtesy of the bye.
MACKAY CUTTERS 34 (David Milne 2, Bureta Faraimo 2, Curtis Rona, Dean Webster tries; Liam Taylor 5 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 16 (Jarrod Wallace 2, Namila Davui tries; Luke Samoa 2 goals) at Virgin Australia Stadium.
