Hills on the Up

HILLS District landed the first upset blow of the 2005 finals when the Mixwell Colts Challenge newcomers dismantled Redcliffe 42-22 at Dolphin Oval.

Extending what has been an encouraging debut season for the Arana Hills-based outfit, the Panthers scored three unanswered tries to begin the match.

The side, pieced together from various football backgrounds, showed it was not overawed by the occasion. Indeed Hills displayed the commitment and desire to prove the naysayers wrong ? if at least for one week.

Whenever Redcliffe rose to challenge the ascendancy of the Panthers, the visitors responded and at halftime the score sat 18-6 in their favour.

Both sides were reduced to 11 men following a brawl in the shades of the break and free and open play flourished as a result.

Brad McKee and Ryan Corrie were sent for early showers, while John Clayton and Stuart May returned from the sin bin with Hills ahead 28-6.

A revival followed from Redcliffe to close within four points, but any threat of a comeback was thwarted by a Troy Rowbotham try and two subsequent efforts by the Panthers.

The greater significance of the win bears consideration, with the Dolphins possessing the largest junior base of any club in Queensland.

Hills District continues its against-the-odds campaign in a battle with Burleigh at Pizzey Park on Sunday.

HILLS DISTRICT 44 (Tu Whakatihi 2, Troy Rowbotham 2, Michael Walker 2, Chris Chaisty, Bryan Brown, James Adamson tries; Michael Walker 3 , Brad McKee goals) beat REDCLIFFE 24 (Mitchell Simpson, Andrew Skrzypa, Matt Gillett, Ryan Corrie tries; Mitchell Simpson 3 goals).

This article is courtesy of the QRL for more Mixwell Colts Challnge information visit www.qrl.com.au