THE Tweed Heads Seagulls were able to post their first win of the season after securing a 32-14 victory over an understrength Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park this afternoon.
While Tweed were impressive in their six tries to three victory; Souths were put on the back foot mid-way through the first half with influential forward Mathew Pitman forced from the field after suffering a heavy tackle. He was unable to return for the rest of the match which proved a massive blow for the home side.
For the Gulls however; it was a relieving win after playing in a number of close losses to start the season.
They were the first to score when late inclusion Ben Ridge crashed over, and they were in again soon after thanks to five-eighth Beau Henry, who was making his return from a long injury layoff.
Another late addition to the team in Maurice Blair extended the visitors' lead before halftime, giving them a 16-0 advantage. Blair was impressive in his outing, adding a try-saving tackle to his four-pointer.
Souths had put some pressure on Tweed Heads in the first half, but were unable to break through – however, they had more luck just after the break, with Andrew Edwards giving them their first points.
It was then tit-for-tat, with Ricardo Parata for Tweed busting over the line next, followed by Magpie David Faamita. Kurt Baptise scored another of his trademark tries from dummy half after a great run from Leon Panapa to narrow the margin to 22-14.
But the Seagulls were able to put the result beyond doubt when halfback Michael Burgess touched down following some good footwork at the line, before Tom Merritt added the icing with another before fulltime.
Tweed Heads will next host fellow round 4 winners the Redcliffe Dolphins, while Souths Logan will travel north to face the CQ Capras at Browne Park.
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS 32 (Tom Merritt, Beau Henry, Michael Burgess, Ben Ridge, Ricardo Parata, Maurice Blair tries; Beau Henry 4 goals) def SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 14 (David Faamita, Andrew Edwards, Kurt Baptiste tries; Luke Archer goal) at Davies Park
