Round 8
Central Comets 24 l. Wynnum Manly Seagulls 34

2008 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats]

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

Irwin Shows Class For Gulls
Sun May 4, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Talented centre Steve Irwin has responded to a few quiet words from coach Shane McNally, whose side is celebrating a much needed 34-24 victory against the Central Comets.

Irwin, who has been relatively quiet in recent weeks, exploded to life with a dazzling hat-trick in Wynnum Manly's round eight victory at Rockhampton's Browne Park.

McNally has not been overly happy with the big centre's form in recent weeks and the pair addressed a few issues at training during the week.

But McNally couldn't fault Irwin's performance on Saturday night.

Irwin's pace and strength netted him a hat-trick of tries, but his involvement didn't end there.

Irwin also had a hand in two other tries for the Seagulls, who had to withstand a determined fightback from the Comets.

Wynnum Manly led 22-6 at half-time and extended that lead to 28-6 soon after the break.

But the Comets enjoyed a greater share of the ball in the second half and momentum started to swing their way.

A stunning try from David Taylor put a further scare through the Seagulls.

"He scored one of the best tries I've seen," McNally said.

"He beat about 10 blokes and scored under the posts. It was lucky the fence was there otherwise I might have had to tackle him."

Wynnum Manly steadied in the final minutes and closed out the game with a late try.

In-form backrower Luke Dalziel Don was again impressive for the Seagulls.

The rangy forward took his season tally to 10 tries with a double against the Comets.

Big prop Jason Williams and crafty halfback Matt Seamark were also major contributors in the victory.

Seamark kicked five of the six conversion attempts but it was his general play which had the biggest bearing on the contest.

Wynnum Manly is now headed for a titanic showdown against the rejuvenated Tweed Heads.

Tweed kick started its season with a big win over the previously undefeated Northern Pride.

Wynnum Manly is some chance of having winger Tom Hewitt back in the side.

Hewitt has not played since tearing his hamstring in round one.

However, the return of backrower Chris Muckert could yet be a number of weeks away.

Muckert was on track to play against the Tigers the previous week until his knee problem flared again on the training paddock.

Report sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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