The Easts Tigers proved too quick and too slick for the Central Queensland Capras at Tapout Energy Stadium on Saturday afternoon, posting a dominant 56-6 victory.
Hopes for high for a close match before kick-off – with the Capras only two points off earning a draw against the chart-topping Mackay Cutters in Round 6.
In a bright start to the match for the visitors, the Capras scored the first try of the match when Garret Field crossed for a four-pointer.
However, after that it was all one-way traffic, with the Tigers running in 11 tries – with doubles to Richie Kennar, Matt Duffie and Grant Giess, who was returning from a rib injury sustained in a trial match earlier this year.
Tigers centre Donald Malone crossed for the opening try for Easts to go with his six goals, and he and his fellow backs were too hard to handle for the inexperienced Capras defence.
With halves Shaun Nona and Giess also on song, the overall performance of the Tigers was a great display to watch – if you weren’t a Capras fan.
Leading 24-6 at halftime – the Tigers came back from the break without having lost any of their attacking intent, with the points flowing easily for the side who are renowned for their attack.
However, what has been overlooked so far this season has been their sturdy defence, and following the completion of Round 7 – the Tigers boast the best defensive record of competition, having only conceded 94 points.
The Capras never gave up however in coach Jason Hetherington’s final match in charge and were willing to chance their arm in an attempt to make a further impression on the scoreboard.
Interim coach Lionel Harbin will be looking to his charges to continue to keep their spirits and efforts high as they prepare for their next challenge – a game against Tweed Heads this Sunday.
The Tigers next assignment is a mouth-watering clash against the top-of-the-table Townsville Blackhawks this Saturday in what is set to be an Anzac Day blockbuster.
EASTS TIGERS 56 (Richie Kennar 2, Matt Duffie 2, Grant Giess 2, Eddie Tautali, Shane Neumann, Donald Malone, Christian Welch, Matthew Zgrajewski tries; Donald Malone 6 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 6 (Garrett Field try; Ian Webster goal) at Tapout Energy Stadium, Langlands Park.
Easts Tigers: 1. Eddie Tautali 2. Richie Kennar 3. Shane Neumann 4. Donald Malone 5. Matt Duffie 6. Shaun Nona 7. Grant Giess 8. Christian Welch 9. Tommy Butterfield 10. Liam McDonald 11. Dane Hogan (c) 12. Jake Foster 13. Troy Giess 14. Francis Tualau 15. Matthew Zgrajewski 16. Foisa Peni 18. Dean Britt
CQ Capras: 1. Javarn White 17. Jake Ainsworth 3. Jacob Gagai 4. Tarrant Mariner 5. Ray Ebsworth 6. Matt Minto 7. Mark Johnstone 8. Gerard Tema 9. Ian Webster 20. Nathan Young 11. Garrett Field 12. Guy Williams (c) 13. Gavin Hiscox 14. Josh Mitchell 15. Rajan Opetaia-Halls 16. Josh Johnston 19. Clinton Mooney
