Norths Devils deal Burleigh minor
premiership blow

Norths coach Wayne Treleaven had just one regret amid the Devils? 38-16 pummeling of Burleigh on Saturday, the biggest defeat handed to the Bears in over three years.

?It?s just a shame it doesn?t last longer than a day,? Treleaven quipped.

On a red letter day for the Devils at Pizzey Park, they also won in Mixwell Cup and Colts grades, leaving them just four points in arrears of Burleigh on the Spotless Club Championship.

Norths was always a chance of taking the Queensland Wizard Cup battle after winning its six previous matches, but few would have expected the magnitude of the victory.

Boosted by the presence of Melbourne Storm regular Cooper Cronk, the visitors jumped to an early 18-0 lead, featuring two tries from short kicks which Treleaven labeled ?funny but effective?.

Burleigh scored just before halftime through half David Hicks and then crossed late in the second half through Aseri Laing and Shane O?Flanagan. Truthfully though, the reigning premiers were never in control of the result.

Not since a 36-10 loss to Wynnum in June 2002 had the Bears been beaten as comprehensively. The result was also in stark contrast to Burleigh?s grand final charges in 2003 and 2004 where they went undefeated through the final month on both occasions.

?We are coming to the business end and we want them (Burleigh) to know,? said Treleaven.

?I thought we were pretty dominant all over.?

Anthony Boyd (pictured) was voted Players? Player for Norths, while fellow forwards Rob Tanielu, Jeremy Smith and Pat Gardner were also strong. Still the equal leading tryscorer for the year, Greg Inglis was given the ABC TV Man of the Match, despite missing the last 20 minutes.

Inglis still has a slight ankle worry, while winger Josh Tatupu suffered a cork that will require treatment through the week. Norths, Burleigh and North Queensland could all win the minor premiership, just two weeks out from the finals.

Round 21 will see Norths face Souths Logan at Bishop Park on Sunday, with Burleigh set to meet Easts on Saturday at Langlands Park.

NORTHS 36 (Robert Tanielu, Ryan Shortland, Greg Inglis, Jeremy Smith, Nathan Friend, Aaron Morgan, Josh Tatupu tries; Greg Inglis 5 goals)

beat

BURLEIGH 16 (David Hicks, Aseri Laing, Shane O?Flanagan tries; Reggie Cressbrook 2 goals)

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