Round 14
Norths Devils 24 l. Northern Pride 40

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

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

Pride's season moves forward
Sun June 22, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

The Northern Pride pack will have all their post match beers bought for them tonight after carrying the Cairns side to a hard fought 40-24 victory over Norths Devils at Bishop Park.

The Pride's 16 point victory looked unlikely after a second half come back from Norths almost provided the upset of the season.

When the Pride left the field for oranges with a 30-4 lead, they would be entitled to start thinking about reaching the 50 point milestone.

But to their credit, Norths' youngsters rallied and a double to speedster Rodney Davies got the Devils to within six points at 30-24.

But as they have done many times this season, Andrew Dunemann's troops mustered a late game charge.

"You don't get points for winning halves. We have rarely played for the whole 80 minutes this season and the same thing happened today," Dunemann said.

"To be honest I was confident going into the match. I thought our pack would get over the top of theirs and that's what happened."

The Pride's forwards were dominant all game.

Ben Vaeau put in a performance that may seem him promoted to the Cowboys NRL side.

Another to shine was former Wests Tigers lower grader, Rodney Griffin, who made an outstanding Wizard Cup debut.

The Atherton-born backrower returned north this year after becoming home sick in Sydney and by his efforts at Bishop Park today, Griffin will provide excellent value for Dunemann's injury-hit team.

"The whole pack was outstanding. Griffin will be very handy for us with the injuries we have," Dunemann said.

The Pride was without regular leaders, Greg Byrnes and Chris Sheppard, who were called up to the Cowboys NRL side.

But the immense loss in experience didn't bother Dunemann.

"It's not frustrating in the slightest. It's great. That is what (developing players) our football club is all about," Dunemann said.

NORTHERN PRIDE 40 (Drew Campbell 2, Josh Vaughan 2, Quincey To'oto'o Ulugia, Ben Vaeau, Jason Roos tries; Chey Bird 5, Quincey To'oto'o Ulugia goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 24 (Rodney Davies 2, George Kepa 2, Reece Robinson tries; Luke Samoa 2 goals) at Bishop Park.

Report Source: www.qrl.com.au

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