Round 13
Northern Pride 0 l. Redcliffe Dolphins 26

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

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

Firing Fins Dominate Pride
Sun June 15, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Have the Redcliffe Dolphins - the most successful club in the history of the Queensland Cup - finally turned the corner after an indifferent start to the 2008 season?

Their 26-0 thumping of joint leader the Northern Pride in Cairns suggests the Dolphins are well and truly back in the premiership mix.

But coach Gary O'Brien isn't about to make any bold statements.

"We just need to get some consistency, so we need to go week by week," said O'Brien, whose team sits in fourth spot on an intriguing Wizard Cup ladder.

While O'Brien remains guarded about his team's title prospects, there is little doubt Saturday night's victory over the star-studded Pride at Barlow Park was easily the best of their season.

O'Brien described Michael Roberts' performance as "courageous" and was equally glowing in his praise of centre Nick Emmett.

The Broncos contracted centre has struggled with injury all year. But the classy 26-year-old was at his dangerous best against the Pride.

Emmett touched down for two tries and continually shut down the home side's attacking raids with strong tackles and sound defensive reads.

"He looked like the Nick Emmett of old," O'Brien enthused.

The Dolphins led 10-0 at half-time, and in encouraging sign for Redcliffe supporters, never took the foot off the accelerator in the second 40 minutes.

"I'm thrilled for the boys because they've worked hard," O'Brien said.

While Redcliffe's season is fast gaining momentum, the Pride appears to have hit a flat spot.

The northern newcomers have lost three of their last five matches but it is hardly time for panic as Andrew Dunemann's charges are still well placed for a top three finish.

Without gun halfback Chris Sheppard, the Pride appeared a shadow of the side that won seven straight matches at the start of the season.

Sheppard was reportedly unavailable because of a minor injury scare following the Queensland Residents match mid-week.

However it is understood Sheppard will be a surprise inclusion in the North Queensland Cowboys team to play the Newcastle Knights on Monday night.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 26 (Nick Emmett 2, Ryan Cullen, Liam Georgetown, Chris Fox tries; Marty Turner 3 goals) def NORTHERN PRIDE 0 at Barlow Park.

News Source: www.qrl.com.au

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