Mackay has pushed clear of the bottom of the Intrust Super Cup ladder with an against-the-odds 28-18 win over the Ipswich Jets at North Ipswich Reserve.
Having suffered the losses of half Kyle Laybutt (pectoral injury) and Lachlan Coote (NRL recall), the Cutters led for all but four minutes of the contest.
It was a consolidated effort in the forwards which laid the platforms for the Cutters and they consistently made metres through the centre of the park.
Winger Johnny Faletagoa’i was the early beneficiary and posted the first two tries of the game as Mackay jumped to a 10-0 lead.
Despite an uninspiring recent away record and the fact the club had won just one of its first five games for the season, Mackay continued on to lead 16-6 at halftime.
Ipswich fell on the sword of its signature unstructured play, showing continued intent to persevere with side-to-side running, even when territory was not forthcoming.
Indeed, the times the Jets looked most dangerous were when they played more directly, but they went away from that pattern after grabbing a slender 18-16 lead in the 58th minute.
At that stage it looked like Mackay would again rue missed conversions, a factor which had already cost them two games this season.
However, the visitors recovered from their mid-game hiccup and finished the match full of running, powering away with the final two tries and a penalty goal to boot.
Among the trycorers was former premiership winning skipper Jardine Bobongie, marking his first try for the club since returning from several seasons playing local league and focusing on family.
On a losing side Nat Neale was a standout again for Ipswich up front, while Michael Purcell continued to be a dangerous proposition, adding another try to his tally for the season.
The win means that Mackay cannot end the round on the bottom of the table, regardless of if Tweed Heads beats Wynnum Manly, while Ipswich is now at three wins and three losses for the season.
Next week Ipswich faces Sunshine Coast away, while Mackay hosts Redcliffe, with both matches falling on Saturday.
For full scoring details and final team lists visit QRL Live.
MACKAY CUTTERS 28 (Johnny Faletoagoa’i 2, Jardine Bobongie, Bennett Leslie, Kurt Wilshire tries; Yamba Bowie 4 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 18 (Denzel Burns, Michael Purcell, Rory Humphreys tries; Wes Conlon 3 goals) at North Ipswich Reserve.
