The Norths Devils have continued their recent domination of the Redcliffe Dolphins, prevailing over their archrivals 26-6 in a rescheduled Round 1 match-up.
Manase Kaho struck first within the game’s opening two minutes, with the prolific winger moving into second place in this year’s try scoring leaderboard.
On the edges, Devils second-rower Jackson Shereb had his best performance of the season, running for 140 metres and bagging a try, with his hard running and impactful defence causing the Dolphins headaches the entire game.
Not to be outdone, Jordan Lipp appeared to be playing the game in slow motion, controlling the game’s tempo and using his size to great effect.
His swan-dive early in the second half lit up Bishop Park but rattled the Dolphins, whose frustrations have compounded after back-to-back losses following their unbeaten start to the season.
Another team down in the dumps are the PNG Hunters, who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against the Mackay Cutters, losing 20-26 at BB Print Stadium.
Up 20-16 with ten minutes remaining, a Barry Crocker from fullback Sanny Wabo overshadowed his otherwise impressive game, as Bayley Gill would go on to dribble the dropped ball 20 metres before scoring in the corner.
After a missed conversion, the Hunters were presented with an opportunity to right past wrongs, but a failed grubber attempt from five-eighth Gairo Voro at halfway would see Xavier Kerrisk run fifty metres untouched to win the game for the Cutters in the most miraculous fashion.
From up north to all the way down south on the border, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls make it three wins from as many matches as they prevail over the Tweed Seagulls 38-28 at Piggabeen Sports Complex.
Going down 12-0 within the first twenty-five minutes, Wynnum would be buoyed by an incredibly impactful thirty-minute stint from utility Kalolo Saitaua – who crossed for a double inspiring his side to retake the lead early in the second half.
The bench proved the difference in this affair, with four of the Seagulls six tries coming courtesy of their interchange.
In the starting side however, winger Sione Hopoate stole the show, grabbing a double and running for 170 metres in a statement performance.
HOSTPLUS CUP ROUND 1 RESCHEDULED GAMES RESULTS
SATURDAY APRIL 19
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 38 def Tweed Seagulls 28 at Piggabeen Sports Complex, Tweed Heads
Mackay Cutters 26 def PNG Hunters 20 at BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Norths Devils 26 def Redcliffe Dolphins 6 at Bishop Park, Brisbane
