Dolphins do a Backflip

REDCLIFFE has turned the tables on its worst ever Queensland Cup defeat, bouncing back with a 42-28 win against 2004 grand finalists Easts.

Mindful of a 60-24 loss to Norths the previous week, Redcliffe went on a rampage that featured 36 unanswered points in the middle period.

Dolphins coach Anthony Griffin revealed he pointed the finger of blame at himself after the heavy first-up loss, a blemish on the club?s proud modern era.

?I was disappointed at myself to be truthful?I didn?t prepare the team with enough intensity,? Griffin said.

?A few questions had to be asked around the place, of myself and of the players.

?It wasn?t a good week to have at all, but in the end it?s worked out for the best.?

Asked what the difference was between rounds one and two, Griffin said, ?Mentally we weren?t prepared to lose.?

Off-season recruit Ryan Cullen bagged a hat-trick for the Dolphins, while Danny Burke was player of the match. Nick Walker and Mark Christensen played strongly.

Easts halves Phil Dennis and Brandon Costin continually asked questions of the Redcliffe defence, but only two late tries added respectability to the score.

For the Tigers it was also a remarkable reversal of form, having put 70 points past Souths Logan in round one.

Griffin said the return of forward leader Troy Lindsay (pictured) from suspension had a significant impact on the home side, with ?Cowboy? playing his 185th Queensland Cup match.

?He certainly does real good things for us,? Griffin said.

?You probably underestimate his importance, but he lifts those around him.

?When you have a lot of young forwards that haven?t been at the club long?they were probably shell-shocked without some like him in the first game.?

Redcliffe travels to Burleigh for a blockbuster next Sunday, while Easts hosts North Queensland in the first televised match of the year on Saturday.

REDCLIFFE 42 (Ryan Cullen 3, Mark Christensen, Shane Perry, Michael Roberts, Gerard Parle tries; Greg Bourke 7 goals) beat EASTS 28 (Nigel Roy 2, Steve Beattie, Matt Lockyer, Marty Allen tries; Brandon Costin 4 goals).

Article courtesy of the QRL. for more Qld Cup news and information visit www.qrl.com.au