After a shock loss to the Souths Logan Magpies, the Mackay Cutters hit back last night with a 34-28 victory over the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park.
The tight victory lifted the Cutters to 30 competition points, a figure that should secure them a passage into the 2013 Intrust Super Cup semi-final series.
The Cutters fielded arguably their strongest 17 for the season last night, with the return of former NRL prop Joel Clinton from a long injury and the inclusion of Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo adding to the firepower at the disposal of coach Kim Williams.
But the Cutters had to fight right until the very end against a committed Capras team, which pressed for a draw in the dying minutes.
Both teams posted six tries in an entertaining round 22 clash. However, the accurate boot of Cutters fullback Liam Taylor, a nominee for the inaugural XXXX Peoples Choice award, provided the visitors with much needed breathing space.
The first-half was a tight affair with the lead changing hands on numerous occasions. The Cutters managed to kick clear late in the first half with quick-fire tries to Taylor and Kalifa FaiFai Loa handing them a 22-14 lead at half-time.
The double strike proved to be decisive in the final wash up, particularly as the Cutters were the first to score in the second half via Michael Morgan.
But the Capras werent overawed by the challenge in front of them and posted the next two tries to close the gap to 28-24 with 15 minutes to go.
The Cutters were the next to score though through Matt Minto and it was a blow that effectively took the game out of the Capras reach.
A late try from Central Queensland back-rower Brent Williams and brilliant 40/20 kick from hooker Ian Webster ensured a nerve-racking final few minutes for the Cutters.
But they held on to secure their 12th win of the season.
MACKAY CUTTERS 34 (Liam Taylor, Bureta Faraimo, Kalifa Fai Fai Loa, Matt Minto, Chris Gesch, Michael Morgan tries; Liam Taylor 5 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 28
***
The Souths Logan Magpies kept their faint finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 16-10 victory over the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles yesterday.
The Sea Eagles threatened to break a long run of outs with a win in front of their home fans after taking a 6-0 lead into half-time.
But a double from Mat Pitman was enough to get the Magpies over the line.
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 16 (Mat Pitman 2, David Faamita tries; Luke Archer 2 goals) def SUNSHINE COAST SEA EAGLES 10 (Kevin McKenzie, Rowan Klein tries; Dale Middleton goal) at Stockland Stadium.
The tight victory lifted the Cutters to 30 competition points, a figure that should secure them a passage into the 2013 Intrust Super Cup semi-final series.
The Cutters fielded arguably their strongest 17 for the season last night, with the return of former NRL prop Joel Clinton from a long injury and the inclusion of Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo adding to the firepower at the disposal of coach Kim Williams.
But the Cutters had to fight right until the very end against a committed Capras team, which pressed for a draw in the dying minutes.
Both teams posted six tries in an entertaining round 22 clash. However, the accurate boot of Cutters fullback Liam Taylor, a nominee for the inaugural XXXX Peoples Choice award, provided the visitors with much needed breathing space.
The first-half was a tight affair with the lead changing hands on numerous occasions. The Cutters managed to kick clear late in the first half with quick-fire tries to Taylor and Kalifa FaiFai Loa handing them a 22-14 lead at half-time.
The double strike proved to be decisive in the final wash up, particularly as the Cutters were the first to score in the second half via Michael Morgan.
But the Capras werent overawed by the challenge in front of them and posted the next two tries to close the gap to 28-24 with 15 minutes to go.
The Cutters were the next to score though through Matt Minto and it was a blow that effectively took the game out of the Capras reach.
A late try from Central Queensland back-rower Brent Williams and brilliant 40/20 kick from hooker Ian Webster ensured a nerve-racking final few minutes for the Cutters.
But they held on to secure their 12th win of the season.
MACKAY CUTTERS 34 (Liam Taylor, Bureta Faraimo, Kalifa Fai Fai Loa, Matt Minto, Chris Gesch, Michael Morgan tries; Liam Taylor 5 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 28
***
The Souths Logan Magpies kept their faint finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 16-10 victory over the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles yesterday.
The Sea Eagles threatened to break a long run of outs with a win in front of their home fans after taking a 6-0 lead into half-time.
But a double from Mat Pitman was enough to get the Magpies over the line.
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 16 (Mat Pitman 2, David Faamita tries; Luke Archer 2 goals) def SUNSHINE COAST SEA EAGLES 10 (Kevin McKenzie, Rowan Klein tries; Dale Middleton goal) at Stockland Stadium.
