Capras claim victory over Wynnum Manly in dying seconds

Ill-discipline and mistakes early on really cost the Seagulls and the Capras took full advantage, putting three tries on the board in first 20 minutes.

Penalties and handling errors in the Seagulls' red zone were the main reasons the Capras got the jump on the Gulls.

Tries to Radean Robinson (in the eighth and 21st minutes) and Brandon Roberts (in the 17th minute) had the Capras out to a 12-point lead and, at this stage of the game, the only thing keeping the Gulls in the contest was the wayward kicking of Trey Browne.

His radar was off today only converting one from five with the boot.

The Gulls made some substitutes, bringing on Kalolo Saitaua and Matiu Love-Henry, and this seemed to have an immediate impact.

The Gulls lifted their intensity and powerhouse forward Luke Bateman crashed over in front of a crowed clubhouse in the 28th minute, with Max Plath converting, and the Gulls were back in the contest at 12-6.

The Capras gave up a ruck infringement in the 36th minute and Triston Hope took full advantage, crashing over from dummy half and the teams were off to the half-time break with the Gulls trailing by just two points.

The second half began with hard hits and tight defense, but this time it was the Capras' ill-discipline that cost them a high tackle penalty, leading to Tristan Hope scoring again in the 54th minute.

It did start to look like the Gulls were going to run away with it at 16-12 in front, with a big change in momentum going the way of the home side.

Another dangerous tackle penalty by the Capras led to inspirational skipper Sam Scarlett sprinting over adjacent to the posts and with Plath’s conversion Wynnum were running away with it at 22-12.

Two penalties in a minute by Wynnum Manly killed that momentum and in the 71st minute Brandon Roberts scored his second try, which was not converted, but the gap was now only 22-16 to Wynnum.

Within three minutes the Capras were in again with a try to Nixon Putt and this time Blake Moore slotted the conversion. With just five minutes left the scores were locked at 22-22.

Sam Scarlett tried for the field goal, but pushed it wide with just two minutes remaining. The Capras then made an error, quickly followed by a handling error by Wynnum Manly, leading to Putt breaking away and sprinting for the line from the halfway line, turning the Gulls around at the same time.

Delouise Hoeter did a great job in running Putt down and tackling him, but unfortunately gave away a professional foul trying to hold long enough for his teammates to get back on side.

He was sin-binned with a minute to go and the penalty awarded to the Capras.

While Trey Browne was setting up for the penalty goal the siren sounded, leading to a tense finale. Alas for the home crowd and the Seagulls, he slotted the penalty and the Capras ran in from everywhere to celebrate the 24-22 win.

Next round, the Seagulls will play Brisbane Tigers.

The Capras will host the Townsville Blackhawks.