The local derby between Easts Tigers and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls is always one of the Intrust Super Cups most passionate games; but this afternoon’s edition was a mostly one-sided affair as the Tigers were far to strong for the Seagulls, running out 54-16 winners.
The Tigers finally put on the kind of performance fans had been expecting and they were red hot in the opening stages, registering 18 points in the first 10 minutes.
The visitors played an up-tempo attacking brand of football with quick play-the-balls and lots of bodies in motion.
Their right-side combination of Conor Carey and Linc Port, with Scott Drinkwater linking in from the back was almost unstoppable and resulted in four of the Tigers five first half tries.
Strong across the field; the Tigers halves were also in top form, with the kicking game of Brodie Croft effective and Billy Walters breaking the defensive line often.
While the Tigers were clicking into gear, the Seagulls struggled and will aim to improve their defence before Round 13.
Too many players persisted in coming out of the line creating a staggered defence that was all to inviting for the Tigers little men.
However, the Seagulls were not without hope though, and their first try was scored after their best set of the game.
Once they got some possession at the right end of the field, they put together a lovely structured try with Michael Dobson running left to right with his cut-out pass finding Daniel Ogden on left wing who scored in front of scoreboard.
But these moments were too few and far between for a Wynnum side who were having an off day where none of their combination seemed in sync.
While they started the second half strongly; any comeback hopes where pushed aside in the 45th minute try to Brett Greinke.
Wynnum’s best player was Alex Barr and he was rewarded for his efforts with a try in the 73rd minute; while forward Til Vea and fullback Patrick Templeman, who also crossed to score, tried hard in a team that was simply outclassed.
In a dominant performance, the Tigers had many key contributors with Carey, Drinkwater, Walters and Greinke amongst their best.
Next week, the Tigers return home to Suzuki Stadium to take on a PNG Hunters team that are finding their paces while Wynnum Manly travel to Mackay for what could be a tricky assignment against the Cutters.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game at QRL Live
EASTS TIGERS 54 (Conor Carey 2, Billy Walters 2, Scott Drinkwater, Harley Aiono, Linc Port, Brett Greinke, Jarrod McInally, Brodie Croft tries; Brodie Croft 7 goals) def WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS 16 (Daniel Ogden, Patrick Templeman, Alex Barr tries; Shaun Nona 2 goals) at BMD Kougari Oval.
*Matt Crowhurst is a QRL correspondent
