Round 10
Central Comets 18 l. Redcliffe Dolphins 22

2007 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Australia > Queensland > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: Wizard Queensland Cup

Lindsay And Simpson Injured In Dolphins Win
Sun May 20, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

A tough 22-18 win against the Central Comets has come at a price for the Redcliffe Dolphins, losing both captain Troy Lindsay and goalkicker Alwyn Simpson to injuries.

Forced to come from behind and then hang on grimly to their lead for the final 25 minutes, the reigning premiers were once again reminded how hot the competition is for this year's title.

Although the Comets entered the match without a win to their name, they put up an almighty struggle before their home crowd, grabbing the lead moments after halftime. Adding to a sequence of tight results for the weekend, teen half Yoren Major plucked a rebounded kick off the posts with half-an-hour remaining, putting Central ahead 18-16.

It took a brilliant individual try from winger Kaine Manihera and some desperation defence for Redcliffe to wrestle the lead back, maintaining a share of top spot on the Queensland Wizard Cup ladder.

"It was bloody hard work. They had us in a headlock for a while there," admitted Dolphins coach Anthony Griffin.

"The Comets played with a terrific intensity and I thought it was their best game of the year so far. Every time we're up against them, it's always the same. They shape up for us and put a lot of pride in their effort.

"For us it was similar to a lot of our wins lately. We defended the victory, rather than won it through great attack."

Among those standing tallest for Central were hooker Michael Esdale and fullback Junior Auru, both of whom posed problems for the heavily-favoured visitors.

While it made for a dour affair at times, Redcliffe's defensive resolve was commendable given the loss of linchpins Lindsay (medial ligament) and Simpson (abdominal strain), both of whom could miss a month or more.

Griffin conceded there had been some disruption with Michael Roberts, Shane Perry and Nick Emmett called upon for Brisbane Broncos duty. However he believed there was an air of excitement around the club more than anything, particularly in regard to Roberts, set to make his NRL debut at age 27.

"Hopefully he'll play lots of NRL in years to come," said Griffin.

"Mick's a very popular bloke at our club and he's part of the fabric, the culture. He arrived here when he was 17 and for a long time has been the heart and soul of this team.

"I actually recruited him for the Dolphins when I was in a development role many years ago, but I won't be the only one glued to the telly, willing him on Monday."

Roberts' reputation in the Wizard Cup is unmatched. He has won the QANTAS (formerly Sunstate) Player of the Year three times, won the Courier-Mail Best and Fairest award and last year was Man of the Match in the grand final and named BMD Representative Player of the Year.

Aside from savouring Roberts' debut, Redcliffe this week prepares for a blockbuster clash against North Queensland, hosting the Young Guns at Dolphin Oval at 2pm Saturday. Central aims to carry its improved reputation to the biggest stage in Queensland, taking on the Aspley Broncos at Suncorp Stadium at 11.30am on Sunday.

REDCLIFFE 22 (Kaine Manihera, Alwyn Simpson, Rory Bromley, Nathan Tutt tries; Alwyn Simpson 2, Matt Seamark goals) d CENTRAL 18 (Junior Auru, Yoren Major, Peter Penaia tries; Nat Bowman 3 goals) at Browne Park.

News sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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