The Easts Tigers came out on top over an enthusiastic CQ Capras 34-26 in an attack-minded contest at Browne Park on Saturday night.
The Capras showed their commitment on the field as they attempted to match the fire-power of the Tigers, but lost by two tries to fall to their third straight defeat.
Scoreline aside, coach Kim Williams told the Morning Bulletin he was encouraged following the enjoyable match-up.
"I thought we played some pretty good footy, we planned to attack them and we did that, it was entertaining,” he said.
"We just conceded easy tries and in groups. They'd score one, two in a row.
"In the end they just got the better of our forward pack, they were very big and out-muscled us. I can't be disappointed though.
"Easts are sitting in the top six for a reason, they are very physical and offload well.
"We had a chance to make it even closer with a wonderful attacking play ... it went through about seven sets of hands, but the kick just didn't bounce well at the end.”
Williams said hooker Krys Freeman was again outstanding, as were Jack Madden, Oliver Percy and Reece Baker.
For the Tigers, it was a welcome return to form following their Round 14 loss to the Redcliffe Dolphins.
There were a number of eye-catching performances for their team; especially to Linc Port and Billy Walters who both scored doubles.
While they did not get off to the best start, allowing Vic Halfpenny to score in the opening moments of the game, they were able to change the momentum to cross for the next four tries to give themselves a healthy lead.
Next week – the Tigers will host the Sunshine Coast Falcons; while the Capras will make the trip across to PNG to take on the Hunters.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game via QRL Live
EASTS TIGERS 34 (Linc Port 2, Billy Walters 2, David Murphy, Steven Thorpe, Gerard McCallum tries; Adam Crear 3 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 26 (Nathan Bassani 2, Vic Halfpenny, Krys Freeman, Tony Tumusa tries; Tony Tumusa 3 goals) at Browne Park.
*Much of this report first appeared on The Morning Bulletin website
