Norths Tigers defeated Fassifern Bombers 36-30 in the Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup at Cribb Park in North Ipswich on Sunday.
Norths opened up a 10-nil lead with a try and conversion to Jarrod Biggs and try from Matthew Fairhurst after only 17 minutes.
Norths dominated possession in the first quarter of the game until Fassifern got a penalty in the 23rd minute.
The Bombers got their first points in the following set when winger Harold Mosby scored in the corner.
It took only another five minutes for Fassifern to get their second try when a slick backline play opened up space out wide allowing Cameron Pennell to score for the Bombers from long-range.
With the scores level at 10-all Norths went up another gear with only four minutes until halftime.
Norths halfback Ritchie Lowe made a break with a dummy and run, after drawing-in the fullback Lowe passed to Fairhurst who scored his second try to give the Tigers a 14-10 halftime lead.
Fassifern began the second-half dominating possession and territory, with multiple sets in Norths 20 metre zone.
The Bombers failed to capitalise on their good possession and territory and Norths made them pay.
When Norths finally got possession Tonga Mounga broke Fassifern’s defensive line and set-up a try for Anava Fesolai who scored in the corner to extend the Tigers’ lead to 18-10.
Norths were quick to back-up their efforts when Tigers prop Mark Appleton scored a try to allow the Tigers to stretch their lead to 24-10 in the 52nd minute.
The game seemed to be slipping away from Fassifern when Anava Fesolai scored for Norths in the set following Appleton’s try.
With Norths leading 30-10 with only 23 minutes remaining it seemed as though Fassifern’s chances to win the match were gone.
Fassifern had other ideas.
Bombers halfback Kali Nauqe scored two tries and led a Fassifern fight back which saw the Bombers level the scores at 30-all with tries also scored by Harold Mosby and Cameron Pennell.
With less than five minutes remaining and the scores locked at 30-all Norths were penalised for being offside at the kickoff.
The penalty gave the Bombers prime attacking position, on fifth tackle Fassifern opted against a drop goal-attempt and instead decided to run, Norths’ defence read the run and made the tackle to win back possession.
After winning back possession, Tonga Mounga scored a long-range try for Norths to give the Tigers a four point lead, Jarrod Biggs converted the try to give Norths a 36-30 win over Fassifern.
In the other Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup round 10 games Brothers defeated West End 36-22 and Goodna defeated Swifts 38-14.
