Wynnum Manly were too strong for the competition leading Norths Devils, winning 30-10 in an historic ANZAC Day Intrust Super Cup match at BMD Kougari Oval.
John Buchanan’s formula of hard running and aggressive forward play was executed almost to perfection as the Seagulls ran rampant at home after a disappointing loss against the CQ Capras.
Back-rower Graham Clark was promoted to the starting line-up and was spirited in defence with a number of big hits rattling the Norths ball runners. On two occasions he forced a drop ball just from the sheer power in the tackle.
Drop ball will weigh heavily on Norths coach Mark Gliddon’s mind, as his team struggled to complete their sets throughout which did not allow them to get into the ball game.
John Te Reo, playing at hooker in place of Jake Granville, scored the first try for Wynnum before Mitchell Frei scored another try on the left edge.
Frei is looking more and more like an NRL player in waiting as his ability to run a hard line and then twist his body at contact to beat the defenders has allowed him to score a number of tries this season. Todd Murphy and the Norths right edge struggled to contain the former Brisbane Bronco and Newcastle Knight.
Murphy was able to claw a try back for Norths. However Ben Cronin scored just before halftime for Wynnum to be in front 18-6 at the break.
Six minutes into the second stanza, flying Norths winger Rogan Dean scored in the left corner after a cross kick from Murphy. Behind just 18-10 with captain Brendon Gibb and lock James Sharkie working tirelessly, Norths had an opportunity to get back into the game.
However the tenacious Wynnum forward pack refused to bend, as they kept coming in numbers time and time again, running with real purpose up the middle of the field.
Hard ball running forces quick play the balls, which interchange hooker Mitchell Moore took advantage of as he scooted over from dummy half to extend Wynnum’s lead to 24-10.
Mitchell Buckett capped off the scoring after a pinpoint chip kick from half Matt Seamark, finding the winger all alone on the left wing for a simple dive over try.
Brisbane Broncos, David Stagg and Jordan Kahu were able to get through a large chunk of minutes which will give them confidence as they both return from injury. Kahu did not see too much involvement however the potential NRL superstar will be happy his knee withstood the full 80 minutes.
Wynnum received a powerful message on the importance of brotherhood from a member of the Australian Defence Force on the eve of their ANZAC Day clash.
WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS 30 (Mitchell Buckett, Ben Cronin, John Te Reo, Mitchell Frei, Mitchell Moore tries; Matt Seamark 5 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 10 (Rogan Dean, Todd Murphy tries; Todd Murphy goal) at BMD Kougari Oval.
Final teams
Wynnum Manly Seagulls: 1. Daniel Ogden 2. Peter Gubb 3. Jordan Kahu 4. Jason Moon 5. Mitchell Buckett 6. Ben Cronin 7. Matt Seamark 8. Ben Shea 9. John Te Reo 10. Tim Natusch (c) 11. David Stagg 12. Graham Clark 13. Mitchell Frei 14. Mitchell Moore 15. Stephen Coombe 16. Tanu Wulf 17. Dylan Smith
Norths Devils: 1. Shaun Carney 2. Rogan Dean 3. BJ Munns 4. Dylan Galloway 5. Kainga Turner 6. Todd Murphy 17. Brad McKee 8. Jamie Muller 9. Krys Freeman 10. Jared Blanke 11. Chris Faust 12. Brendon Gibb 13. James Sharkie 14. Byron Creighton 15. Patrick McPherson 20. Troyden Watene 19. Dean Sheppard
