Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Souths Logan Magpies

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

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

Souths Logan 42 def Wynnum Manly 24
Mon August 13, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Souths Logan coach Jason Burnham has lauded his largely unheralded playing squad after the Magpies thumped Wynnum Manly 42-24 at BMD Kougari Oval.

The day was meant to be one of celebration for the Seagulls, playing their last home game of the season and honouring 100-game milestones for Ron Troutman and Wade Bachmann.

Instead it turned into a try-fest for the opposition, buoyed by the inclusion of co-coach Brandon Costin at halfback. Costin posted three tries in the rout and directed his side with aplomb, delivering thoughts of 'what could have been' had he remained injury-free throughout the season.

But rather than focus solely on his star playmaker, Burnham instead chose to praise the entire squad, which has toiled hard for just five wins this season.

"We may not have been too successful on the ladder this year, but we've made huge inroads in gaining the respect from other clubs in this competition," Burnham said.

"I want to thank all the players in every grade who committed themselves to this club for 2007. I could not begin to explain how proud and honoured I am to have been involved with a group of men who have worked so hard to training and playing this year.

"We have unearthed and developed what talent and spirit this club has and hopefully that carries on in 2008."

Burnham's glowing appraisal came on an afternoon where rookie Simon Sorbello brought up 18 points from two tries and five goals, while fellow teenagers Brogan Gibson, Jack Reed and Liam McDonald continued their development.

Souths Logan skipped out to 16-6 midway through the first half, then edged further ahead with another try in the proceeding period up until halftime.

Wynnum Manly has a reputation for second half fightbacks however and the Seagulls did not disappoint, struggling back from the brink to close the gap to 30-24 at one stage.

One of their own promising rookies, Chris McQueen, grabbed a double, while headline-friendly Steve Irwin also made his presence felt on the scorer's sheet.

Yet Souths Logan would not be denied the victory, the club's biggest in terms of margin this year. It avenged a 16-12 loss to Wynnum Manly earlier in the year, one which the Magpies led right up until the 77th minute.

Burnham also said it gave some solace to the club's support staff, all of whom have made significant sacrifices this year to bring the club a more professional edge.

"We asked for a greater commitment to the players and the staff leapt in head first and have done a fantastic job, starting right back in November last year," Burnham said.

"They've received little in return by way of results on the field, but nobody is stopping until the final bell."

Unfortunately for the Magpies, results on the weekend see the club out of finals contention in all three grades. Wynnum Manly however remains alive in both FOGS Cup and Colts, having wrapped up the minor premiership in the former.

Next Sunday Souths Logan hosts Ipswich in all three grades at Davies Park, with the main game at 3pm. Wynnum Manly tackles Burleigh at the Piggabeen Complex on Saturday, with Wizard Cup at 6pm.

SOUTHS LOGAN 42 (Brandon Costin 3, Simon Sorbello 2, Quentin Laulu-Togagae, Cameron Joyce tries; Simon Sorbello 5, Tim Cannard 2 goals) d WYNNUM MANLY 24 (Chris McQueen 2, Tangi Ropati, Steve Irwin, Simon Phillips tries; Denny Lambert 2 goals) at BMD Kougari Oval.

Report sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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