It has been remarked that a week is a long time in politics – and this also true for sports.
Yesterday, the Souths Logan Magpies proved just how long a week can be in the Intrust Super Cup, by producing a remarkable 98-point turn around, to go from a 10-46 loss last week to a 52-10 win over CQ Capras this week.
Souths coach John Buchanan put the victory down to his team’s ability to control the ball, (they completed at 88% in the first half and were nearly as good in the second half), their ability to use the ball and to finish the opportunities they created.
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The Magpies opened the scoring early through Sam Scarlett and scored regularly thereafter as Matt Minto, Jack Anderson and Lenny Magey all crossed in the first half.
A double to Paul Rokolati as well as a second to Scarlett, along with tries from Sam Lavea and Brendon Gibb in the second half sealed the deal for the home side.
Gibb must surely be vying for the title of Intrust Super Cup buy of the year; his mid-season transfer providing a boost to an already formidable Souths pack.
The Magpies best was Sam Lavea, though Gibb and Rhys Melville were not far behind him.
Coach Jon Buchanan was especially happy with Melville who he described as a “good young bloke who has had a tough couple of years and has battled hard to be back in Intrust Super Cup”.
Jamayne Isaako also had a strong game on what was a challenging day to be a fullback. He took several high swirling bombs well and made powerful returns with ball in hand. He also landed eight from nine conversions.
The Magpies pack did not just beat the Capras in the ruck, they were also too fast for them on the fringes.
It is one thing to control the ball and dominate your opposition, but it is quite a different matter to use that possession and convert it into points – and it was in this capacity that Scarlett and Minto came into their own on Sunday.
Like symphony orchestra conductors, they guided their team around the paddock, both scoring tries and having a hand in numerous others.
Capras coach Kim Williams lamented his team’s inability to gain any parity in the ruck or to control Souths wide running forwards. The Capras best on the day was the ever-reliable Gavin Hiscox, Jack Kavanagh and another mid-season pick up Luke George.
CQ finish their season with another road trip and will meet the Jets in Ipswich, while Souths head to BB Print Stadium for a Saturday night encounter with the Cutters.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups at QRL Live
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 52 (Sam Scarlett 2, Paul Rokolati 2, Matt Minto, Jack Anderson, Lenny Magey, Sam Lavea, Brendon Gibb tries; Jamayne Isaako 8 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 10 (Luke George, Ken Tofilau tries; Cody Grills goal) at Davies Park.
