Northern Pride will be looking to continue their unbeaten form when they travel away to face Sunshine Coast Falcons this Saturday (April 6) in Round 5 of Hastings Deering Colts Under 20s competition.
Last week, the seventh-placed Falcons suffered a heartbreaking three-point loss at home against Norths Devils and will be up against a Pride side who notched up a convincing 24-10 win against Ipswich Jets at North Ipswich Reserve.
In Round 4, Ewan Moore was the Pride's first try scorer in the 11th minute while Steven Stafford, Colt Salmond and Joshtel Charlie also chipped in with tries.
Pride coach Dave Scott said he was impressed with his side's goal-line defence against Ipswich.
"The boys were able to shut down and limit the opposition to two tries, despite them having a lot of field position and us giving away possession down our own end," Scott said.
“I feel Ipswich's performance was far better than what the Pride players expected.
“In the first half, Ipswich out-performed us in most areas and made it a real contest in which we were fortunate to get the two points.
"As a team, we were very one dimensional and strayed away from applying what we worked on during the week in the lead up to the game which resulted in us playing some naïve footy.
"Full credit to Ipswich and if they continue to perform the way they do, I'm sure they will cause trouble with other teams due to their particular style of play.
“Looking back at the first four rounds, Ewan Moore has continued his high performance level from last year and developed from his time spent training with Ty Williams and Intrust Super Cup squad."
What a weapon!' - Beau Berg
Scott said that this year, the club had a new side with no NRL contracted players, but was filled with players from the regions who had worked extremely hard and displayed tough commitment to be part of the team.
“Simon Bevan and Beau Berg best exemplify this, as they are both apprentice electricians and top blokes who toil in the heat all day and then always put in 100% effort at training,” Scott said.
“Back after a year out of the game, Tazmon McRobbie has been crucial to our good start alongside Tom McGrath and Joshtel Charlie who have all been performing well on-field.”
Match: Falcons v Pride
Round 5 -
Full Time
home Team
Falcons
Scored 10 points
away Team
Pride
Scored 22 points
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
This weekend, Scott said his team would have to be wary against the Falcons.
"The most pleasing aspect of the first four games is the team has not conceded more than 12 points, however I feel this could be tested on Saturday against what looks like a very well coached, big and fast Sunny Coast side,” he said.
"From the footage, Sunny Coast look to be a very dangerous side with dynamic edges who appear well drilled and structured.
"I am expecting a fast start from the Falcons and we need to match them as they have some real quality in their side.”
Match: Blackhawks v Cutters
Round 5 -
Full Time
home Team
Blackhawks
Scored 20 points
away Team
Cutters
Scored 10 points
Venue: 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville
In other Round 5 games, Townsville Blackhawks will play Mackay Cutters at 1300SMILES Stadium, the Dolphins are up against the Jets while Norths are up against Western Mustangs.
On Sunday, the Tigers will be at home against Capras, Tweed Seagulls will face off with Wynnum Manly with Souths Logan Magpies v Burleigh Bears rounding off the Round 5 fixtures.