The Central Queensland Capras have stifled Burleigh’s table-topping aspirations, upsetting the Bears 34-24 at UAA Park.
Entering their rescheduled Round 1 clash, the Bears possessed a golden opportunity to leapfrog the Blackhawks and Devils, as a victory over the Capras would see them sitting outright first on the ladder with 31 competition points.
Despite their lowly ladder position, the Capras entered this bout in hot form, being undefeated in their last three matches.
The Capras’ newfound form was put on display early, as fullback Morea Morea displayed his deceptive hands and rapid acceleration, leaving defenders in a daze as he crossed over early with a brilliant solo try.
Another piece of individual brilliance, this time from Bears’ five-eighth Josh Rogers, would see Burleigh level the score, though this would be the last points the Bears would score in the first half.
Following Rogers’ try, the Capras ran in 22 unanswered points, with John Fineanganofo, Zev John, Cooper Marshall and Connor Guley all chipping in with tries as the Capras entered halftime with a commanding and unexpected 28-6 lead.
Workhorse lock Sam Coster would score for Burleigh within the opening minute of the second half, as the ever-impactful Takitau Mapapalangi would score his fifth try in four weeks to reduce the deficit to ten points.
However, a quick reply from Capras’ centre James Walsh would rub out any chances of a Burleigh comeback, breaking numerous tackles en route to the match-sealing try.
With a bye still to come, the Bears are still positioned to secure a top four place entering the finals, with their minor premiership ambitions still well and truly alive despite last weekend’s loss.
For the Capras, their run of form may have begun too late, as they still sit 6 points behind 8th place with four weeks left before finals begin.
ROUND 1 RESCHEDULED RESUTS
Central Queensland Capras 34 def Burleigh Bears 24 at UAA Park, Gold Coast
