Central Comets v Easts Tigers

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

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

Tigers outlast spirited Comets
Mon June 30, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

They've had setback after setback, but the Easts Tigers continue to claw their way up the Wizard Cup standings.

The Tigers notched their sixth victory of the season on Saturday night when they saw off a late fightback from the Central Comets to win a heated match 22-18.

Easts, who have been plagued by injuries to key personnel all season, climbed back into the top five on the back of the four-point victory at Rockhampton's Browne Park.

"It was probably one of our best wins of the year," Easts coach Darren Smith said.

"The Comets had nothing to lose and they threw everything at us, but they couldn't beat us.

"Our guys were just a little bit tougher."

Classy centre Liam Campbell secured the match-winning try for the Tigers when he crossed for his second of a fruitful evening.

Smith felt Campbell clearly outplayed Queensland Residents centre Carl Johnson, who has been a revelation for the Comets this season.

Easts led 12-0 at half-time and 18-0 shortly upon the resumption following tries from Campbell, Tangi Ropati and Matt Lockyer.

But the Comets weren't done with.

The Wayne Barnett-led team fired back with tries from Tyron Haynes, George Tuakura and Brent Williams.

Nat Bowman landed the three goals to level the score at 18-all.

Easts were forced to play a man down for 10 minutes of the second half following Ropati's trip to the sin bin for a professional foul.

Tempers flared on numerous occasions in a dramatic finish, but it was the Tigers who emerged with the all-important two competition points.

Easts achieved the victory without gun prop Charlie Tonga (suspension) and classy five-eighth Isaac Kaufmann (finger injury).

Tonga still has two matches of a four-match ban to serve for a dangerous throw, while Kaufmann is a fortnight away from a return.

Easts can further consolidate their spot in the top five when they travel to Cudgen next Sunday to play the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

The Seagulls are almost certainly out of the finals race after losing a thriller to Souths Logan on Saturday.

But the Tigers may have to do it without fullback Kev Stephensen (concussion) and Josh Griffiths (knee).

The Comets have the bye.

Report Source: www.qrl.com.au

Advanced Search