Tweed and Norths play draw in game
of two halves

Tweed Heads Seagulls and Norths Devils have played out 28-all draw in today's round 4 Queensland Cup encounter at Piggabeen Sports Complex.

Working on the back of 10-0 penalty count, Tweed Heads dictated proceedings with doubles to winger Nathan Small and centre David Strachan. Lock forward Ben Hill also crossed and at half time, Tweed held a commanding 28-4 lead.

But the Devils were not to be outdone. Following their first penalty, 13 minutes into the second half, the Devils gained some momentum when full back Greg Inglis [pictured] showed a clean pair of heals to score in the left corner.

Minutes later, winger Steve Irwin scored in the opposite corner and at 28-12, the Devils were on the comeback trail.

Centre Aaron Morgan then scored out wide in the 62nd minute. Irwin's conversion attempt hit the upright and the score was 28-16.

The flying Greg Inglis scored his second try soon after. Irwin's conversion was successful and Norths were just six points behind.

Coming into the final stages of the match, Norths had more troops on the interchange bench and looked likely to go on with it. Seagulls' skipper Andrew Moroney however, had other ideas, the back rower delivering some barging defence and leading from the front to stem the flow of tries.

But then Norths Devils' half back Marc Brentnall put through a wonderful chip kick from halfway to see centre Josh Graham backing up to score a magnificent four-pointer. In all, the Devils had replied with five unanswered tries. The conversion was successful and with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked up at 28-all.

With just two minutes remaining, the Devils had to the opportunity to snatch victory after being awarded a penalty 15 metres in from touch. But Irwin's attempt at goal saw the ball sail to the right of the posts, ultimately forcing the draw with Norths scoring six tries to five.

Fulltime: Tweed Heads 28 Tries: D Strachan (2), N Small (2), B Hill Goals: B Davis (4/6) Norths Devils 28 Tries: G Inglis (2), A Morgan (2), S Irwin, P Robinson Goals: S Irwin (2/7)

Possession: Tweed 56% Completions: Tweed 32/39; Norths 21/28 Tackles: Devils 235-193 Penalties: Tweed 10-4

Venue: Piggabeen Date: Sat 2 Apr 2005, 2:00pm