Winning start a pleasant surprise for Magpies
THE Souths Logan Magpies FOGS Cup side have surprised even themselves with their strong season start, but coach Willie Colenso knows the job isn’t done ahead of their clash with Easts Tigers.
The Magpies’ 38-24 win over a determined Carina Tigers outfit lifted them into third spot and Colenso was proud of how his side found a way to win in a tricky encounter.
“It was definitely an important win, Carina were strong and we noticed they had different personnel from our first match against them,” he said.
“They had different centres, halves and forwards so it was a challenge, but it’s a very important win for us.”
Fullback Ono So’oialo stole the show with his hat-trick and Colenso was delighted with a performance living up to his nickname.
“I call him ‘The Freak’ because he does things which are totally unbelievable, like on the weekend,” he said.
“The game was on the edge towards the end, but Ono put it out of reach, he’s quick, evasive and his dashing runs helped us win the game.”
After taking the wooden spoon last year, Souths are a different beast this season and Colenso full of praise for his team’s development.
“We’re up to third spot and we’ve strung together good wins and nobody would’ve predicted that, not even ourselves,” he said.
“We need to keep working hard every week, not let our guard down and it’s been a great start but the top four is certainly our main goal.”
Easts Tigers had a tough 12-0 win over Ipswich Jets last weekend and Colenso knows the stakes are high this weekend.
“It’s crucial and would be a huge two points for us to take but it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
“They were strong against Ipswich and they’ve got experience and success so we need to be ready.”
A win would solidify the Magpies’ top four spot and Colenso said the club’s atmosphere is playing its part in their positive campaign.
“I’m definitely enjoying it and I know the players are too,” he said. “We’re having good wins, taking it steady and improving every week, so it’s really been great so far.”
Wynnum Manly Seagulls defeated Norths Devils 16-14 in the weekend’s final result, with both teams joining Ipswich in taking a bye this weekend.
The other round three FOGS Cup match this weekend sees Carina hoping to spring an upset against ladder-leaders Redcliffe Dolphins.
In FOGS Colts Challenge action last round, Burleigh Bears defeated Toowoomba Clydesdales 40-20 to remain in first place, Ipswich beat Easts 28-18, Norths overcame Souths 38-24 and Sunshine Coast Falcons got a crucial 26-24 victory over Redcliffe.
This weekend sees Redcliffe looking to get their season back on track away to Burleigh, while Sunshine Coast host Easts, Tweed Heads welcome Souths and Toowoomba face Wynnum.
