A successful penalty goal inside the final two minutes lifted the Norths Devils to a dramatic 24-22 victory over Central Queensland Capras at Rockhamptons Browne Park last night.
In a thrilling contest, both teams threw everything at each other in their quest to break the 22-22 deadlock in the closing stages.
But just when a draw appeared imminent, the Capras were penalised for stripping the ball and Devils halfback Angus Cameron stepped up to nail the match-winning penalty goal from in front of the posts.
It was a badly needed win for the Devils, who entered Saturday nights clash on the back of two heavy losses.
Norths made all the early running with tries from Namila Davui, Angus Cameron, James Sharkie and Nathan Lowrie handing the visitors a commanding 22-0 lead.
But the Capras gave their fans something to cheer about it just on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Sione Tongia's impressive try.
With a vocal home crowd behind them, the Capras chipped away at the 22-6 half-time deficit, with a double from Brent Crisp and a further try to excitement machine Cameron Munster setting Central Queensland fans into a frenzy.
But it wasnt to be for the Capras, who will now need to win all five of their remaining matches to be any chance of qualifying for the finals.
NORTHS DEVILS 24 (Namila Davui, Angus Cameron, James Sharkie, Nathan Lowrie tries; Angus Cameron 4 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 22 (Brent Crisp 2, Cameron Munster, Sione Tongia tries; Brent Crisp 3 goals) at Browne Park.
***
The Burleigh Bears displayed enormous character to come from behind in the second half and force a 26-26 draw with the Mackay Cutters at Virgin Australia Stadium.
Bears fullback Anthony Don enjoyed a memorable night, crossing for four of his teams five tries in the entertaining round 19 clash.
With just one fit reserve on the bench, it looked like an all too familiar tale for the Bears when the Cutters notched two rapid fire tries to lead 26-16 with 16 minutes left.
But the Cutters couldnt kill off the Bears, who closed the gap to a converted try with nine minutes to go when Don ran in for his hat-trick.
Dons final try in the 78th minute, which was successfully converted by former Cutter Todd Seymour, ensured the teams would share the competition points.
The Cutters, who led 14-12 at half-time, remain in second spot ahead of next weekends Country Week match against Norths in the Whitsundays.
MACKAY CUTTERS 26 (Liam Taylor, Chris Ulugia, David Milne, Jardine Bobongie, Jason Taumalolo tries; Liam Taylor 3 goals) drew BURLEIGH BEARS 26 (Anthony Don 4, Jamie Anderson tries; Todd Seymour 3 goals) at Virgin Australia Stadium.
In a thrilling contest, both teams threw everything at each other in their quest to break the 22-22 deadlock in the closing stages.
But just when a draw appeared imminent, the Capras were penalised for stripping the ball and Devils halfback Angus Cameron stepped up to nail the match-winning penalty goal from in front of the posts.
It was a badly needed win for the Devils, who entered Saturday nights clash on the back of two heavy losses.
Norths made all the early running with tries from Namila Davui, Angus Cameron, James Sharkie and Nathan Lowrie handing the visitors a commanding 22-0 lead.
But the Capras gave their fans something to cheer about it just on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Sione Tongia's impressive try.
With a vocal home crowd behind them, the Capras chipped away at the 22-6 half-time deficit, with a double from Brent Crisp and a further try to excitement machine Cameron Munster setting Central Queensland fans into a frenzy.
But it wasnt to be for the Capras, who will now need to win all five of their remaining matches to be any chance of qualifying for the finals.
NORTHS DEVILS 24 (Namila Davui, Angus Cameron, James Sharkie, Nathan Lowrie tries; Angus Cameron 4 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 22 (Brent Crisp 2, Cameron Munster, Sione Tongia tries; Brent Crisp 3 goals) at Browne Park.
***
The Burleigh Bears displayed enormous character to come from behind in the second half and force a 26-26 draw with the Mackay Cutters at Virgin Australia Stadium.
Bears fullback Anthony Don enjoyed a memorable night, crossing for four of his teams five tries in the entertaining round 19 clash.
With just one fit reserve on the bench, it looked like an all too familiar tale for the Bears when the Cutters notched two rapid fire tries to lead 26-16 with 16 minutes left.
But the Cutters couldnt kill off the Bears, who closed the gap to a converted try with nine minutes to go when Don ran in for his hat-trick.
Dons final try in the 78th minute, which was successfully converted by former Cutter Todd Seymour, ensured the teams would share the competition points.
The Cutters, who led 14-12 at half-time, remain in second spot ahead of next weekends Country Week match against Norths in the Whitsundays.
MACKAY CUTTERS 26 (Liam Taylor, Chris Ulugia, David Milne, Jardine Bobongie, Jason Taumalolo tries; Liam Taylor 3 goals) drew BURLEIGH BEARS 26 (Anthony Don 4, Jamie Anderson tries; Todd Seymour 3 goals) at Virgin Australia Stadium.
