Dolphins March On

FOR the second finals match in a row Redcliffe captain Shane Perry found himself taking the option of a field goal.

This time though it wasn?t necessarily needed, as the Dolphins scored a resounding 33-10 upset against Norths in the Queensland Wizard Cup elimination minor semi at Bishop Park.

Having scraped through Week One of the finals with a 23-22 win against Toowoomba, Redcliffe was up for the task of meeting a Devils side that was favourite for the title just a few games back.

As with all finals matches thus far,the opening exchanges were full of pluck and punishment.

Minus suspended forward Jeremy Smith, Norths started with youngster Adam Blair in the backrow. Relatively inexperienced duo Smith Samau and Sam Tagataese were also called upon once more.

In contrast Redcliffe welcomed back the steadying hand of Greg Bourke in the centres, allowing for greater interchange depth in the forwards. Overall the combined age of the Dolphins? starting pack was 157 years to Norths? 109 years.

In due course the visiting pack gained the upper hand and centre Nick Emmett began the scoring for the visitors as Norths? defensive fringes were again exploited.

Two further tries had Redcliffe in the driver?s seat by halftime, although tough goal-kicking for Liam Georgetown meant the advantage was just 14-0.

Aware of a poor record in recent finals campaigns, the Devils returned to the field breathing fire and knuckled down to post two quick tries via playmakers Brandon Costin and Marc Brentnall.

There was no respite however for Wayne Treleaven?s men and Redcliffe aimed up once more.

A nominee for the Queensland Cup 10 Year Commemorative team, Phil Shilvock completed a wonderful hat-trick to move to 83 State League tries. Formerly of the Logan City Scorpions, Shilvock started the season behind several other candidates, but again rose to the fore with consistency and determination.

In the wash-up Norths was handed its fifth straight finals defeat and for the second year running finished in the top three, only to lose back-to-back finals games.

A year after missing the finals for the first time in Cup history, fourth-ranked Redcliffe has proven far more than just nuisance value and is now the genuine darkhorse of the premiership.

REDCLIFFE 33 (Phil Shilvock 3, Ryan Cullen, Nick Emmett, Shannon Fish, Liam Georgetown tries; Liam Georgetown 2 goals; Shane Perry field goal) beat NORTHS 10 (Brandon Costin, Marc Brentnall tries; Brandon Costin goal).

This article is coutesy of the QRL for more Qld Wizard information visit www.qrl.com.au