Nothing separated the Redcliffe Dolphins and Central Queensland Capras at fulltime in the battle of the Dolphins NRL feeder clubs.
Neither coach would have been impressed with the 24-24 draw, with both coaches ruing missed opportunities.
It was the Capras who opened the scoring following an Edward Kosi fumble with Capras fullback Blake Moore the man on the spot to score.
Kosi quickly redeemed himself with the Moreton Daily Stadium faithful when he crossed for the first of three tries following a clever Trai Fuller kick.
The tide would turn when Capras winger Jedidiah Simbiken was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul, which the Dolphins would take advantage of.
Kosi crossed again in the 19th minute before the Capras hit back with their star centre Curtis Dansey-Smaller, who would prove to be a real thorn in the Dolphins' side.
In 30th minute, new Dolphins cult hero Valynce Te Whare produced the try of the game. The rugby union convert took off down the short side going dangerously close to the sideline brushing off several Capras defenders in his 60-metre run to the line.
The Dolphins would finish the half with another try; this time to fullback Fuller taking them to the break leading 18-10.
Match: Dolphins v Capras
Round 12 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Capras
3rd Position
Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
The Dolphins were thrown into disarray to start the second half first with Freddy Lussick and Bryce Donovan leaving the field for HIA assessments.
With neither side getting on top of the other in the opening exchanges of the second half, it would be the side that made of their opportunities that would most likely prevail.
The Capras were the first to take an opportunity when Simbiken crossed for an opportune try following a Fuller error.
From then on, the momentum seemed to go the Capras way; they were stopping the Dolphins defence at every turn.
A try to Brandon Roberts tied the game up at 18-18 with 16 minutes to go and it was anyone's game.
With six minutes remaining, it was Kosi crossing for his third try in what the Dolphins supporters thought was the matching-winning try. But somebody forgot to tell the Capras it was all over.
On the back of their hardworking pack, they got themselves into good field position for one last crack. They spread the ball wide to their punishing right side attack and it was Dansey-Smaller who would cross and rain on the Dolphins parade.
Trey Browne converted to make it 24-24 at fulltime.
The Dolphins will face Brisbane Tigers in Round 13.
Match: Tigers v Dolphins
Round 13 -
home Team
Tigers
11th Position
away Team
Dolphins
7th Position
Venue: Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane
Capras will take on Tweed Seagulls.
Match: Capras v Seagulls
Round 13 -
home Team
Capras
4th Position
away Team
Seagulls
5th Position
Venue: Browne Park, Rockhampton
