Wynnum ensures equal spread

AN ELIMINATION semi final win by Wynnum in the Mixwell Cup has ensured that eight clubs will remain represented across all grades during the second week of finals.

The Seagulls blitzed Redcliffe 20-0 in just over a quarter-of-an-hour at Dolphin Oval before going on to end their opponents? season with a 26-16 victory.

Following Hills District?s earlier win against Redcliffe in colts, the odds lengthened of a grand final monopoly by the ?Big Three?.

Redcliffe, Norths and Burleigh had qualified in all three grades for the finals and looked set to blockade the path to Suncorp Stadium on September 17.

Redcliffe now has only one hope, while Burleigh (Mixwell Cup, Colts Challenge) and Norths (Queensland Cup) are scheduled for knockout semis next weekend.

Aside from Wynnum, other ?outsider? clubs hoping to work their way through to grand final day are North Queensland (Queensland Cup), Easts (Mixwell Cup), Wests (Colts Challenge) and Hills District (Colts Challenge).

Wynnum?s chances of pressing further ahead rest with a Mixwell Cup duel against Burleigh at Pizzey Park this coming Sunday.

The Seagulls showed the benefits of experience and finishing class in beating Redcliffe, making the most of their opportunities.

Nearly the entire Wynnum side heading into the match had boasted at least one Queensland Cup appearance this season, thanks to the large injury toll at the club in 2005.

Although kicking just a penalty goal in the second half, after leading 24-6 at the break, the Seagulls showed they have what it takes to trouble the other contending sides.

WYNNUM 26 (Justin Hoggart, Scott Marks, Ricky Taylor, Herman Lafaele, Mark Ogden tries; Mark Ogden 3 goals) beat REDCLIFFE 16 (Chris Fox, Matt Anderton, Lucas Dearden tries; Gerard Parle 2 goals).

This article is courtesy of the QRL for more Mixwell Cup information visit www.qrl.com.au