Round 9
Mackay Cutters 20 l. Easts Tigers 40

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

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

Tigers Enjoy Fortune Change
Mon May 12, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Eastern Suburbs have put a week of misery and hard luck stories behind them, returning from Mackay with a valuable win and perhaps even more importantly - a near clean bill of health.

Rocked by the loss of a fourth player to a long-term injury in the previous week's heavy loss to the Ipswich Jets, the new-look Tigers responded in style with an impressive 40-20 victory over the Mackay Cutters.

The Tigers (9 points) leap-frogged the Cutters (8) in the process to breathe new life into their turbulent season.

First-year Easts coach Darren Smith said a 10 minute burst which netted 24 points in the first half paved the way for the victory.

"A bit of luck went our way for a change," a satisfied Smith said.

The Cutters led 8-0 after two early tries but the Tigers roared to life with four quick touch downs to silence the Mackay faithful.

Mackay pegged one back shortly before half time but the damage had been done.

Easts' 24-14 lead at half-time provided the visitors with a handy buffer and an advantage they were never going to surrender.

The Tigers' dominance was reflected on the scoreboard, with seven individuals - Wade Liddell, Tangi Ropati, Isaac Kaufmann, Jason Connors, Fred Tila, Charlie Tonga, John Reece - posting tries.

"We've got no problem scoring tries ? we've got some good attacking players but it's just stopping them," Smith said.

In the absence of injured hooker Trent Young, the versatile Trent Henrick stepped into the No. 9 jersey.

"He did really well for us and did some good things," Smith said.

New additions Fabian Soutar and John Reece also made an impact for the Tigers.

Soutar may need to pass a medical to play next week after sustaining a suspected eye socket fracture.

But apart from the possible injury to Soutar, the Tigers avoided a season-ending injury for the first time since round five.

In a further boost, Smith expects to have Pat Gardner and Josh Griffith available for selection next week.

Dane Campbell and David Wood are also close to returning from injury.

For Mackay, the result was another disappointing outcome at the Mackay Juniors Fields, a venue which has not been kind to the Cutters despite their strong support.

The Cutters have won only one of their four home games.

Report sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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