Wynnum Seagulls: Wing and a
Prayer

Wynnum coach Neil Wharton says the Seagulls ?probably don?t deserve? to make this year?s finals, despite being given a chance at a minor miracle after a 28-22 win over Ipswich.

With Toowoomba and Tweed Heads both losing on the weekend, Wynnum climbed to sixth place and now sits three points out of fifth spot with three rounds remaining.

In a year where the bayside club has suffered every misfortune imaginable, it could complete the unthinkable by winning against Easts, Tweed Heads and Burleigh in the remaining fixtures.

It would then have to rely on Toowoomba winning no more than one of its remaining matches against Souths Logan, Redcliffe and North Queensland.

For his part, Wharton was loathe to entertain the concept of a post-season appearance by the Gulls, instead focusing on the continued effort of his players under difficult circumstances.

?People could look from the outside and say ?What?s going on there?? and make their own assumptions,? he said.

?But I?ll tell you that, through everything, I can?t be critical of the ethic shown by the players at training or the way they?ve stuck together. They?ve been tremendous.

?There?s not a footy club in the world that is happy losing and we?re no different. But to be fair we?ve basically played with one genuine halfback for three grades this year and our top two grades have 26 fit players between them.?

As if the exemplify the point, against Ipswich Brett McPherson completed a full game in Mixwell Cup and then was one of Wynnum?s best in State League.

The visiting Jets led 12-0 early at Kougari Oval against a Seagulls stride struggling to exhibit both confidence and communication.

?We were probably lucky to be at that score and I threw a bit at the boys at halftime,? Wharton said.

?We looked like a side feeling sorry for ourselves and I told them that nobody else would give a rat?s - they?ll just bag you.?

The on-field response was marked, as the Seagulls poured in 28 consecutive points after the break, including three tries and four goals by Damien Quinn (pictured). Simon Phillips maintained his consistency to bring his season tally to 16 tries, equal highest in the competition with Greg Inglis.

Next week the Seagulls face Easts at Langlands Park on Saturday, while Ipswich travels to the Piggabeen Complex on Sunday to meet Tweed Heads.

WYNNUM 28 (Damien Quinn 3, Simon Phillips, Jace Van Dijk tries; Damien Quinn 4 goals)

beat

IPSWICH 22 (Geoff Chalk, Brendon Lindsay, Aaron Davey, Walter Mackie; Steve West 3 goals)

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