Falcons flying in to meet Redcliffe challenge
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WITH four wins already achieved and a match against FOGS Colts Challenge heavyweights Redcliffe Dolphins this weekend, Sunshine Coast Falcons coach Glen Dreger is looking to build on a promising season start.
The Falcons’ 34-12 win over Wynnum Manly Seagulls last round saw his side in the top four, but Dreger knows the team needs to continue its improvement ahead of Redcliffe’s visit.
“I was pretty happy with the performance on the weekend, more-so the defensive effort,” Dreger said.
“I have been a little disappointed at times with their defensive performance, so to keep Wynnum to 12, I was pretty happy with that.”
Redcliffe have won all six of their matches so far, but Dreger is excited to face a side of such quality.
“It’s always a good game with Redcliffe, they’re constantly the benchmark in Colts,” he said. “They’re highly regarded, so it’s a good opportunity for the boys to see where they’re at.”
The Falcons don’t receive their first season bye until round 9, but Dreger has made the most of this opportunity.
“It’s been good to get the season in, getting the chance to get that continuity going,” he said.
“We’ve played seven teams so far; the boys are excited, but they are looking for a little bit of a rest soon.”
With their Wynnum win aided by doubles to David Oakes and Kyle Laybutt, Dreger also made note of the encouraging performance and development of his players.
“I’ve been happy with our front-rowers Matty Saunima’a and Denman Ah-You, they’ve been great,” he said.
“But also the likes of Rohan Messer and Kyle Laybutt have been good and improving.”
In other weekend results, Norths defeated Tweed Heads Seagulls 24-20, Redcliffe overcame Souths 22-12 and Easts beat Toowoomba Clydesdales 52-0.
In FOGS Cup action, Souths came extremely close to ending Redcliffe’s unbeaten season start, with the Dolphins being pushed all the way in their 28-26 win over an impressive Magpies side.
Norths got their season’s third win with Michael Lucas’s double proving the difference in a narrow 22-12 win against Ipswich Jets, meanwhile Pio Seci’s hat-trick helped Easts defeat Carina Tigers 44-4 at Leo Williams Oval.
The Tigers will be looking to take that momentum into this weekend as they face Redcliffe away at Dolphin Oval, while Carina play Wynnum at Langlands Park and Norths confront Souths at Bishop Park.
