Dolphins Devilled

When Michael Roberts scored a classic halfback?s try from the base of the scrum in the 77th minute one could be forgiven for briefly forgetting the score and imagining you had witnessed the winning try. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Robert?s solo effort was nothing more than a consolation in the most egregious defensive effort by Redcliffe in the history of the Queensland Cup.

The Dolphins were as woeful as Norths were spectacular. Never before has this supporter witnessed so many holes open up in the Red & White?s defensive line. At times it was comical but was made all the more hard to bear by the bright moments Redcliffe showed with the ball in their hands.

Norths opened their account with ease courtesy of Brett Mulholland, before a Ryan Cullen try and Greg Bourke conversion saw the Dolphins lead the game in the 7th minute. Norths fired back with tries in the 14th, 18th, 21st and 26th minutes leaving Redcliffe shell shocked trailing 28 ? 6. The last 10 minutes of the 1st half saw an improved effort from the Dolphins and they finished the half trailing by 16.

Six minutes into the second stanza and it was all over after giving away another two tries. Despite a brief rain shower passing earlier there was a black cloud hanging over the Dolphins and supporters at 60 ? 18, however further embarrassment at the thought of 70 being wracked up was avoided with the late Dolphins try.

Defense and dropped ball will be high on coach Anthony Griffin?s hit list during the week and with Easts next week things will not get any easier.

Best for mine were Adam Starr and Matt Gruszka.

Norths 60 (Graham, Wilkie, Inglis, Mulholland 2, Laula-Togagae, Irwin, McDonald tries, Irwin 8 goals) def Redcliffe 24 (Cullen, Emmett, Roberts, Starr tries; Bourke 4 goals)

In A Grade Redcliffe showed good form to defeat Norths 34 ? 12 in a cohesive display. The Dolphins were sharp in defense and signaled they will be a force to be reckoned with. Phil Shilvock put in a performance bound to have him in consideration for Qld Cup duty next week. Also impressive as ever close to the try-line was hooker Nathan Black.

Redcliffe34 (Shilvock 2, Giumelli, Bloomfield, Fox, Black, Jentz tries; Bloomfield 3 goals) def Norths 12 (Sila, Franks tries; Zipf 2 goals)

It was a hard day at the office for the Colts who were thrashed 50 ? 4 by the Devils. In a torrid affair involving three brawls Redcliffe spent ten minutes early in the 2nd half two men down costing them three tries and any chance of winning the match.

Norths 50 (Nicolau, Shortland, Perkins 2, Millwood, Starkey, Manu, Benson tries; Millwood 5 goals) def Redcliffe 4 (Maniat try)