Another weekend of Hostplus Cup footy has seen the Norths Devils extend their winning streak to an unbelievable 7 games on the trot, holding off the Redcliffe Dolphins 14-10.
After the Dolphins struck first through the in-form Zaccariah Miles, the Devils would claw their way back into game as tries from LJ Nonu and Oryn Keeley would see the sky-blue head to the sheds with an 8-6 lead.
The windy Kayo Stadium made points tough to come by, with the sole second half try courtesy of Devils bench forward Sam Elliot, which sealed the win for the Devils as they extend their lead at the top of the table by four competition points.
Further north in Cairns, the Brisbane Tigers bounced back from their loss the week prior, outclassing the Northern Pride 18-10 at Barlow Park.
The first points of the game occurred in truly magnificent fashion, as a linebreak from Saimone Ahomana saw the shifty centre shift the ball right to Coby Williamson who fended off desperate Pride defenders, finishing off a full field try under the posts.
After the Pride picked up two tries in quick succession, a late four-pointer from Tigers fullback turned five-eighth, Tahj Wood, would see the Tigers hold a narrow lead at half time.
A single second half try from Tigers debutant Sylvester Namo would seal the deal for the Tigers, as they now sit only one point from the top eight after a slow start to the season.
Down in Davies Park, the star-studded Souths Logan Magpies ran rampant against the Western Clydesdales, scoring twelve tries in an absolute shellacking.
The highly anticipated return of Ezra Mam left no one disappointed, as the silky half dominated the match during his stint - showcasing brilliant runs and controlling the game throughout.
Another standout was Israel Leota, as the powerful winger proved why he’s such a highly touted prospect, scoring a try and sending defenders flying with his immense first-contact with ball in hand.
Tyson Smoothy, Callum Eggerling and Floyd Aubrey all picked up braces, as the Magpies return to the top eight.
The game of the round took place in Ipswich, as the Blackhawks celebrated Kalifa FaiFai Loa’s historic match in dream fashion.
The Blackhawks came into this game desperate for a win following their heartbreaking loss to the Falcons the weekend prior and initially fell behind after Jets hooker Oliver Pascoe crossed early.
A three-try reply from the Blackhawks propelled them to a 18-6 lead after 25 minutes, putting them firmly in the driver’s seat.
However, the Jets didn’t lay down, scoring the next two tries with scores levelled at 18 all with 15 minutes remaining.
A Dion Teaupa field goal would put the Jets up by one, before a Jack Campagnolo field goal would even the scores again, with Teaupa slotting his second field goal of the day minutes later once more putting the Jets ahead.
The final set of the match would see the Blackhawks in possession only twenty metres out from the Jets tryline.
As the game's intensity reached a boiling point, Jets defenders were slow to clear the ruck after a tackle, resulting in a penalty from right in front, sealing a famous win for the Blackhawks and a Cinderella ending for Kalifa Faifai Loa, who became the most capped Blackhawk of all time.
Full replays from every game are available via QPlus.TV, with monthly access starting from only $2.50 a week.
HOSTPLUS CUP ROUND 1 & 8 RESULTS
SATURDAY MAY 10
Norths Devils 14 def Redcliffe Dolphins 10 at Kayo Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane Tigers 18 def Northern Pride 10 at Barlow Park, Cairns
SUNDAY MAY 11
Souths Logan Magpies 66 def Western Clydesdales 10 at Davies Park, Brisbane
Townsville Blackhawks 21 def Ipswich Jets 20 at North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
