Round 10 Sunday wrap: Norths move back into winner's circle
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A move to "keep it simple" has paid off in a big way for the Norths Devils, after they returned to the winner's circle in style with a 26-12 victory over the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 10.
Coach Dave Elliott said ahead of the clash at Bishop Park on Sunday, that while it wasn't necessarily the "Norths way", the Devils had to simplify their game plan after starting the year with five losses, two wins and two draws.
And this approach earned the Devils the two points and their third win of the season in Round 10.
Skipper Jack Ahearn said after the match that it felt like a weight off the shoulders after a "frustrating" start to season 2023.
Match: Devils v Blackhawks
Round 10 -
home Team
Devils
10th Position
away Team
Blackhawks
11th Position
Venue: Bishop Park, Brisbane
"It’s relieving, for sure," Ahearn said.
"It’s been a frustrating year so far but we just needed to strip it back and play a bit simple. We did that for the majority.
"We like to use the ball a bit but with the year we’ve had we just wanted to strip it back, get to our kick and have completions. That was our focus today and we did that more times than not.
"There were some errors still in our game, but it was relieving more than anything, for sure."
While it was a strong performance for the Devils, the win didn't come easy with Townsville pushing the home team to the final minutes.
It was particularly close in the first half, with both teams engaged in an arm wrestle for the opening 16 minutes before Justin Makirere crossed for Norths.
Townsville centre Taniela Sadrugu hit back just four minutes later before Connor Broadhurst battled his way to the line to give Norths a 12-6 halftime lead.
The Blackhawks then threated a comeback, scoring through Jodeci Baker-Tiraha just one minute into the second stanza, but from there Norths upped the ante, nabbing a double through versatile forward Liam Horne to lock the game up.
Ahearn was full of praise for Horne, who started at hooker and moved into the forwards, and who also won the Hastings Deering player of the match.
"It’s hard to go past Liam Horne," Ahearn said of who impressed him most in Round 10.
"He’s just a magnet for the ball. He’s a workhorse and someone who is so valuable to our team. He’s been good all year and continues to impress."
Norths will now head to Rockhampton in Round 11 for a tough battle against the Central Queensland Capras while Townsville will enjoy a bye before returning in Round 12 against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
For a wrap of the Round 10 Saturday games, click here.
