Big Cats Show Their Claws

EASTS has thrown a cat among the pigeons with a defiant 28-24 win over Redcliffe, unsettling the Dolphins from top spot and consolidating the Tigers? grip on fifth place.

The big surprise of Round 14 was secured by two tries shortly after halftime, following an 18-14 advantage to Redcliffe at the break.
Easts could have won by even more, were it not for an uncharacteristic off-day with the boots for goal-kicker Luke Branighan.
Seemingly out of the finals equation just a fortnight ago when they lost comprehensively to Norths, the Tigers are now exerting pressure on fourth-placed Tweed Heads.
?We?ve got the consistency back in our game and we?re finally playing for 80 minutes,? noted coach Michael Booth.
?The boys have been putting in plenty of hard work, we?ve had a lot of setbacks with injuries and been pumped a few times, so it?s a very satisfying result.?
Aside from their pre-existing woes, Easts also lost two players in the final 24 hours before the weekend?s clash. Centre Mark McKenzie pulled his hamstring during a light run, while Damian Durnford left the squad at 10am on game day to witness the birth of his child.
Shane Neumann and Alec Fata were called in as the replacements and both played well. Neumann scored one of the key second-half tries to give the Tigers their fourth win against the Dolphins from their last six games.
?It?s put a spring in the players? steps and the coach is not so cranky,? said Booth.
In stark contrast, Redcliffe has been left to look over its shoulder, almost dropping back to third following a big win for Toowoomba against Ipswich.
Seven members of the Dolphins squad still gained selection for the XXXX City team, coming in a season where the red-and-whites have lost just three games.
Matt Lockyer and Branighan are the only players from Easts picked for City. Both were praised highly for their performance against the Dolphins, along with Steele Retchless and Mark Cantoni.
The most surprising person to earn plaudits however was referee Michael Wise; earning a rare compliment from Booth, a coach not averse to taking match officials to task.
?I think everyone got a good game of football because of him,? Booth said.
"I?ve been very critical of referees this season, but to their credit they are starting to interpret the ruck the same way.?
Easts will next play against Wynnum Manly at Langlands Park on Saturday, July1. The same day Redcliffe meets Burleigh at Pizzey Park.
EASTS 28 (Donald Malone 2, Matt Lockyer 2, Shane Neumann, John Tamanika tries; Luke Branighan 2 goals) d REDCLIFFE 24 (Ryan Cullen, Michael Roberts, Nick Emmett, Alwyn Simpson tries; Gerard Parle 4 goals) at Dolphin Oval.