The Wynnum Manly Seagulls have put together back-to-back wins and secured second place on the Brisbane Rugby League ladder after the weekend.
The Seagulls travelled to Panthers territory and it was always going to be tough against the fierce home side.
The second-placed Seagulls proved too strong for the Panthers winning 24-14. In an entertaining second-half, the Panthers mounted a comeback to get within a try of the Seagulls half time lead of 18-4.
“I was very pleased with the boys’ defensive performance. Everyone muscled up in defence even when the Panthers had 3-4 sets in a row, we just kept turning them back,” Seagulls coach Ron Troutman said.
With the score favouring the Seagulls going into halftime, Troutman was happy with his side’s performance and hoped the momentum kept going.
“I was happy with what the boys were doing, they were defending really well and it was important to keep that momentum going forward again in the second-half,” Troutman said.
‘Defend like hell’
The Seagulls had a few changes to their side ahead of this game with five FoGs Colts players coming in, but Troutman knew his side had the ability to get the two points.
“I knew we had to be perfect in our completions and just defend like hell. That was exactly what the boys did and I could not be more pleased.”
Brilliant Brookes
The Seagulls centre Tyson Brookes had another perfect performance, kicking all four goals to help secure victory for his side.
“Brookes has been brilliant for us. Up to Round 12, he had three games straight where he had not missed a goal,” Troutman said.
“He made a couple of good runs for us in this game and he has been doing a great job this year.”
Next match
The Seagulls will host the Ipswich Jets for the top-of-the-table clash and Troutman will be ensuring his side is ready for the challenge.
“It will be about keeping our line as the Jets usually score from there. If we can control that I am sure we will be fine,” Troutman said.
“We will have to have the control in defence and not give them easy ball position and possession.”
Other results
As Round 14 has come to a close, the Redcliffe Dolphins have maintained the top spot on the ladder after securing victory over the Valleys Diehards 48-20.
The Normanby Hounds came out on top in a nailbiter over Carina 28-24 and the Ipswich Jets remained in third place on the ladder with a win over the Gaters 34-26.
Finally, it was the Easts Tigers who proved to be too much for the Logan Brothers winning 46-24.
