Queensland Cup - Round 9 - Review

Wynnum bounced back from its thrashing by Toowoomba to post a hard fought 26-8 win over Burleigh in the ABC Television clash at Pizzey Park. Seagulls centre Jimmy Ahmat was denied an early try by the video referee and then a try to Bears captain Dean Allen, as well as two Brent McConnell goals, saw Burleigh in front 8-0 after fifteen minutes. Ahmat was again prominent setting up a try for winger Josh Jepson in a movement that covered 90 metres to narrow the margin to 8-6. Good defence by both teams maintained this score line until the half-time break.

An early try in the second half to replacement Wade Bachmann handed Wynnum the lead 10-8 and then big winger Scott Marles again got outside the Bears defence creating an opportunity which saw Ahmat link with Jepson, who crossed for his second after 65 minutes for a handy 14-8 lead. Fullback David Seage sealed Wynnum?s win, scoring a great try from a pin-point pass by centre Damien Quinn and extending the margin to 20-8. Marles crossed for a late try for the final score line which also maintained the ABC Television hoodoo for home teams. Ahmat was named QRL man of the match for an outstanding effort.

Ipswich retained the number one spot with a 54-12 drubbing of Norths at Bendigo Bank Oval in a replay of last year?s preliminary final. The Jets ensured that the nightmare season for former coach Gary Grienke continues, running in ten tries over the Devils. Centre Shane Williams notched a hat trick with second rower Marcus Jensen and hooker Jamie Tomlinson both posting doubles. Diminutive winger Steven West took his season points tally to 112 with a try and seven goals for a personal haul of 18 points.

Scott Prince continued his comeback from injuries guiding Toowoomba to a 56-26 win over Easts at ANZ Stadium. Prince, who crossed for a try and slotted 8 goals, and hooker Barry Berrigan were stand outs for the Clydesdales with five eight Tony Duggan also prominent scoring a remarkable 5 tries. For the Tigers halfback Graham White notched a double.

Tweed Heads stayed abreast of Wynnum in second place with a thrilling 34-30 win over North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium. Both teams scored six tries with goal kicking providing the difference and consigning the Young Guns to its fifth close loss this year.

Souths Logan opened its 2003 account with a 58-28 win over rival cellar dwellers, Wests at Purtell Park. The Magpies crossed for nine tries with centre Noa Feho, hooker Zeb Kyle and prop Stanley Fau all securing doubles. For the Panthers winger Tim Gee scored two tries and added 4 conversions.

Redcliffe stayed in touch with the leaders with a good 48-16 win over the Comets at Dolphin Oval. Forward Ben Jones was outstanding for the Dolphins crossing for two tries with five eight Shane Perry and hooker Jason Campbell also scoring doubles for the home side.