Round 1 of the statewide youth competitions kicked off on Saturday, with the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 and Cyril Connell Challenge back in action.
Here is the round 1 recap.
Round 1 of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup
game of the week
The clash between Redcliffe Dolphins and Souths Logan Magpies wasn’t particularly close-fought, but it still had plenty of people talking on Monday, thanks to the quality football and skill on display.
At the Kayo Stadium, the home side scored in just the second minute when winger John-Paul Donevski broke through the defence. From there the attempts kept coming. The Dolphins built a 32-6 halftime lead over last year’s openers and maintained their form in the second stanza to seal a 56-14 win.
Match: Dolphins v Magpies
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Place:
Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Other scores
Norths Devils 26 defeated Brisbane Tigers 8
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 28 defeated Burleigh Bears 18
move of the week
The Redcliffe Dolphins certainly made a statement to open this year’s competition, with their masterclass against Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup reigning Cup champions Souths Logan. The Dolphins were skilled on offense and formidable on defense, impressing fans with their skills and ability. They have already shown that they will be a team to watch out for this season.
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The entire Redcliffe team had plenty to celebrate on Saturday, but their props Aholoka Toia and Michael Waqa were in damaging form. Skipper Waqa was hard to contain and both were outstanding in attack and defence, crossing for a try each. Center Jayden Alefaio also scored a double.
Elsewhere, center Tariq Tanner was impressive for the Norths in their win over the Brisbane Tigers while Wynnum Manly also put in a dominant forward display against Burleigh.
Harvey Norman Under 19 Round 1
game of the week
It was a tight game between Wynnum Manly and Burleigh at Capalaba’s John Frederick Park on Saturday, with the Seagulls edging out a 22-10 victory in an impressive second-half display.
Both teams scored twice in the first half, with Wynnum Manly only trailing 10-8 at half-time due to a missed conversion. But while the Bears threatened heavily in the second stanza and worked hard to stay in the game, it was the Seagulls’ time to shine as they ran in three unanswered tries to take the win.
Wynnum Manly will be a force to be reckoned with this season while Burleigh will only get better from here.
Match: WM Seagulls v Bears
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Place:
John Frederick Park, Capalaba
Other scores
Redcliffe Dolphins 28 defeated Souths Logan Magpies 12
Brisbane Tigers 14 defeated Norths Devils 6
move of the week
It was a big day for the Dolphins on Saturday as they claimed wins in all three junior age groups in the state. The Harvey Norman Under 19 girls were dominant, really taking their chances to get over the line with a 28-12 win over Souths Logan. It was a game riddled with errors and the Dolphins had less possession and a lower completion rate, but still made their moments count, scoring six tries to Souths Logan’s three.
Match: Dolphins v Magpies
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Place:
Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
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Several players stood up throughout the competition in Round 1. For the Brisbane Tigers, forward Karen Pritchard led her team to victory, scoring two tries. She was dominant in defense and difficult to stop in attack, producing some tireless efforts in a close clash at Bishop Park.
What a gun: Karen Pritchard
At John Frederick Park, Wynnum Manly halfback Sienna Lofipo was a real danger player, constantly on the move. Her passing game was brilliant and Lofipo scored the Seagulls’ first try of the day before taking over the line herself to get the last four.
Their captain, Emma Barnes, was also a standout for the Seagulls, making some impressive solo efforts to score two tries. For the Dolphins, fullback Aspen Nakao scored a double.
Cyril Connell Challenge Round 1
game of the week
The clash between Norths Devils and Brisbane Tigers was an absolute thriller at Bishop Park on Saturday. In a blistering clash, Norths raced into a 20-6 half-time lead, with a clinical performance in their opening 30 minutes.
However, the Tigers bounced back in fine form with their forward pack dominating as they scored three tries in the second half to take a 22-20 lead. But with just a few minutes left on the clock, the Norths were far from done.
A penalty gave them the last chance to regain the lead, and five-eighth Keyarn Pene took advantage of his opportunity, sending a well-timed clipped pass to center Cooper McInnerney, who scored in the corner.
Match: Devils v Tigers
Party center
Place:
Bishop Park, Brisbane
Other scores
Redcliffe Dolphins 16 defeat Souths Logan Magpies 10
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 16 defeat Burleigh Bears 10
move of the week
Wynnum Manly and Redcliffe ended Round 1 level after building a six-point lead over their respective opponents.
The Seagulls beat the Burleigh Bears with a 16-10 win. Despite the Bears scoring the first try of the day, the Seagulls took control of the game early on and were able to hold off their opponents to claim victory.
Meanwhile, Redcliffe also claimed a 16-10 win over Souths Logan Magpies in a thrilling clash at Kayo Stadium.
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The Brisbane Tigers’ forward pack were hugely influential in their side’s comeback against the Norths. Prop Kobi Floro led strongly from the front while Frank Howarth is a huge body who was particularly forceful in attack. Floro and Howarth crossed the line for Brisbane and the whole Tigers package is one to watch this season.
At Redcliffe, Dolphins captain and second-rower Brian Pouniu helped his side beat the Magpies, bagging a double, while Norths also showed plenty of style through their sharp spine.
Center Devante Andrews was also strong for the Devils, scoring two tries – one set up by winger Ethan Grimshaw and the other through solo brilliance.
The official game of the week
All the new referees performed well in Round 1 this week, but Tori Wilkie was particularly impressive as he officiated the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup clash between Redcliffe and Souths Logan.
In what was at times a tense and intense game at the Kayo Stadium, Wilkie remained in control, kept the players in check and was a strong presence on the field, while showing good judgment in a number of difficult calls.