Round 12
Redcliffe Dolphins 26 d. Tweed Heads 10

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

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

Fins down unsettled Gulls
Mon June 9, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Redcliffe breathed new life into its season and perhaps closed the door on Tweed Heads' semi-final prospects at Dolphin Oval today.

The Dolphins' 26-10 victory paved the way for last year's beaten grand finalist to claim a share of fourth spot on the Wizard Cup ladder at the completion of round 12.

"I was really pleased with our defensive effort," Redcliffe coach Gary O'Brien said.

"Our defence was strong."

The Dolphins, who led 22-6 at half-time, answered O'Brien's call for an improved first half showing.

"We hadn't been starting our games well and we got away to a good start which was pleasing," O'Brien said.

Veteran forwards Troy Lindsay and Danny Burke again led the Dolphins' aggressive pack, but it was the performances of Michael Roberts and Mick Wilson which sparked the home side.

Roberts was in everything in the first half.

Roberts couldn't quite repeat his extraordinary attacking feats when play resumed after the break but the damage had already been done.

Redcliffe scored just one try in the second half, but there was no stirring fightback from the Seagulls.

O'Brien conceded the Seagulls were "unsettled" without inspirational five-eighth and playmaker Brad Davis.

"I just think taking Davis out of the team (hurt them)," O'Brien said.

Davis was initially unavailable because of his selection in the Queensland Residents team.

But the premiership-winning five-eighth has now been called into the Titans team for the NRL clash with the Melbourne Storm on Monday night.

Tweed is now four competition points adrift of the top five and would need a stunning run of success to be in a position to defend their title in September.

The Seagulls, who have a far from flattering record of three wins, seven losses and a draw, play the battling Norths Devils next weekend.

Redcliffe has a much tougher assignment, with a trip to Cairns awaiting them.

"They've certainly strengthened the competition," O'Brien said of the Northern Pride.

"It's a massive challenge for us to get up there and put in a good performance.

"We need to get some consistency now."

Redcliffe five-eighth Marty Turner will have to overcome a groin strain to take his place in the team.

REDCLIFFE 26 (Nathan Tutt 2, Liam Georgetown, Marty Turner, Grant Flugge tries; Marty Turner 3 goals) def TWEED HEADS 10 (Matt Lindsay, Ian Donnelly tries; James Wood goal) at Dolphin Oval.

News Source: www.qrl.com.au

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