Penrith punish rusty Roosters
4 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
Wynnum has staged a number of ?escape acts? in Queensland Cup matches this season but Easts held on to win 36-32 in an entertaining ABC Television clash at Kougari Oval. An off-load from prop Jason Wrigley led to a try for Ross Sammut and then a strong try to five eight Grant Dutton gave the Tigers an early 10-0 lead. Three quick tries through skipper Scott Thorburn, an intercept to Matt Lockyer and winger Justin Loomans increased Easts lead to 26-0 at the 32 minute mark. A 40/20 kick from Denny Lambert saw Wynnum benefit when winger Herman Lafaele scored and fullback David Seage then crossed for a good team try to narrow the margin to 26-10 at half-time.
Seage?s double soon after the break and a try to busy replacement Wade Bachmann had the Seagulls trailing only 26-22. A penalty goal and a bullocking try to Wrigley extended the Tigers lead to 34-22 but a sparkling 70 metre attacking raid ended with a try to Lambert and the scores were 34-28 with 15 minutes to play. Another Easts penalty goal appeared to wrap up the match but again the Seagulls scored through centre Damien Quinn to ensure an exciting last few minutes for the big crowd. Wrigley was named QRL man of the match after a non-stop effort.
Redcliffe stayed in the top five with a hard fought 32-22 win over North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium. The Dolphins raced in six tries with flyer Aaron Barba notching his 19th try for the season and centre Damien Richters scoring a try as well as kicking 4 goals. For the Young Guns winger Brenton Bowen was outstanding coming up with two tries and slotting 3 goals.
Burleigh notched their sixth straight victory to move to the number one spot on the ladder (on percentages) with a determined 32-10 win over the Comets at Browne Park. Bears fullback Trent Purdon notched a hat-trick with veteran centre Reggie Cressbrook scoring a try and adding 4 conversions. The Comets showed they will make it hard for teams vying for a spot in the finals.
Norths upset Toowoomba with a surprise 34-24 win at Bishop Park, the Devils recording four wins and a draw since round 12. Winger Derek Fletcher and second row Cooper Cronk both notched doubles for Norths helping the home side to a 22-12 lead at half-time. With regular halves pairing Brett Seymour and Scott Prince not available the Clydesdales struggled with their attacking options.
Tweed Heads returned to the winners? list with a convincing 46-14 win over Wests at Piggabeen. Centre Josh Vaughan crossing for a hat-trick with winger Nathanael Barnes scoring a double for the Seagulls.
Last year?s grand finalists Ipswich stayed on track for a finals berth with a comfortable 56-12 win against Souths Logan at Davies Park. Centre Jermaine Alberts and back rower Kyle Warren secured doubles for the Jets with winger Steven West accumulating 28 points (3 tries, 8 goals), taking his season?s tally to an outstanding 198 points.