Redcliffe Culls Comets

FORMER Central Comets Ryan Cullen and Shannon Fish have helped sting their old club, both among the scorers as Redcliffe triumphed 34-24 at Dolphin Oval on Sunday.

Between them Cullen and Fish had three tries in a match which consolidated Redcliffe?s position in the top five and, at the same time, kept Central winless in 2005.

In the absence of suspended front row partner Adam Starr, veteran prop Troy Lindsay shone brightest for the home side, helping establish a 26-6 halftime advantage.

Yet despite the groundwork by Lindsay and fellow forwards Danny Burke and Matt Mapes, it was difficult to ignore the contribution of fullback Cullen in particular.

Originally from Mount Isa, the quicksilver custodian scored off a Shane Perry kick within the opening five minutes, then later in the game produced a fine individual run to touchdown again. Cullen almost grabbed a third and assisted in another try to earn the praise of coach Anthony Griffin.

?The main thing ?Rhino? and I have been working on is being solid at the back for us,? Griffin said.

?Early in the season he attacked well, but had a few errors in his game, like losing balls off returns and that sort of thing.

?We spoke about doing the little things right, being consistent and playing tough for the team. Today I thought he was terrific.?

Showing resolve, Central bounced back from the bleak halftime score to win the second half 18-8 and provide a positive base to work with over coming games.

Continuing to be an individual threat, Comets captain Mark Henry bagged a double, while Mick Esdale and David Nixon also crossed the stripe.

Redcliffe effectively has two weekends in a row off, consisting of next week?s Under 19s representative game and the bye the following weekend. Duane O?Grady has a shoulder problem, while Jamie Russo should recover from a head knock over the time off.

Central is set to face North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium next Saturday evening.

REDCLIFFE 34 (Ryan Cullen 2, Phil Shilvock 2, Jamie Russo, Danny Burke, Shannon Fish tries; Greg Bourke 3 goals) beat CENTRAL 24 (Mark Henry 2, Mchael Esdale , David Nixon tries; Herewini Rangi 4 goals).