Devils dominant against Blackhawks

Chudleigh responded for the home side, crashing over from dummy half to level the scores soon after, before Rashaun Denny put the Devils back out in front, scoring out wide.

Tyrone Roberts was successful with the conversion to extend the lead, which grew again when Moses Noovoa-McGreal outsmarted the Blackhawks defence in the 33rd minute and scored the first of his two tries.

Devils fullback Matthew Milson added to the points tally for his side just before the break, crossing over the white stripe in the 36th minute to build a healthy lead before halftime. 

The Blackhawks withstood the attack and were able to hold out the visitors, with the scores 24-6 when the two sides went into the sheds for the break.

While the Blackhawks started the second half with a desperation to start well and launch a comeback, an error from the home side gave the Devils good field position. 

The visitors didn't need to be asked twice and took advantage with Brayden McGrady, who is new to the Devils in 2022, crossing for more points in the 47th minute. 

Townsville's luck didn’t change as a try in the corner to Denny gave him his second of the day in the 58th minute, but this time, Roberts was unable to convert. 

Finally the lucky turned for the Blackhawks who were able to add to their score - in spectacular fashion - through experienced winger Kalifa Faifai-Loa in the corner when he tiptoed down the side-line in the 63rd minute.

The home crowd roared when the Blackhawks when back-to-back, this time it was home-grown debutant Tomas Chester who scored a solo try on debut surging to the line in the 70th minute.  

However, the comeback was put to bed when Noovoa-McGreal scored his second try in the final seconds of the game to post a dominant win.

Next week, the Blackhawks will be looking to bounce back, hosting the Burleigh Bears for Round 2 at Jack Manski Oval.

The Devils will be at home to Redcliffe Dolphins.