Goondiwindi was treated to a thrilling start to 'Get in the Game' Country Week as Jonus Pearson soared above the pack to take a game-clinching try in a 16-14 win against the Easts Tigers.
Also soaring towards the head of the try-scorers' ladder in the Intrust Super Cup this season, where he trails only Daniel Ogden, Pearson was among a swathe of players at Gilbert Oval with NRL experience.
His 60th minute leap over opposite man Linc Port displayed all his athletic gifts, plucking the ball from the stratosphere and giving Redcliffe a 16-8 advantage after the game rested in the balance.
Pearson has played just two NRL games this year for the Brisbane Broncos, and knows the importance of impressing after the Broncos blew away Penrith 50-18 the evening before.
The Dolphins winger was also involved in another game-deciding play, pairing up with inside man Tom Opacic to narrowly stop a Tigers try 20 seconds from fulltime that would have flipped the result.
Redcliffe led from start to finish to collect their fifth win in a row and ensure they have an at least equal share in first spot on the ladder after Round 19.
However, the last four minutes were heart-in-the-mouth stuff, following a converted try to Jarrod McInally, drawing level with Pearson on 13 tries for the season.
Brodie Croft was back in Easts Tigers clours after playing halfback for the Melbourne Storm the week before, with Jahrome Hughes favoured by Storm head coach Craig Bellamy.
He was a favourite with fans who travelled from the southern Darling Downs in to witness top-class league.
Former New Zealand Warrior Albert Vete scored his first try in Tigers colours and proved tough to handle all match, while Scott Drinkwater was, once more, highly influential.
For Redcliffe, Jamil Hopoate was awarded Hastings Deering Man of the Match honours, while Scott Schulte and Cameron Cullen both featured at important junctures in the game.
Full scoring details and final team lists available at QRL Live.
Next week Redcliffe tries to keep its streak going against Ipswich at 1.10pm on Saturday at Dolphin Ovals.
Easts face Norths at Bishop Park at 3pm on Sunday.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 16 (Scott Schulte 2, Jonus Pearson tries; Bryce Donovan 2 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 14 (Albert Vete, Scott Drinkwater, Jarrod McInally tries; Brodie Croft goal) at Gilbert Oval, Goondiwindi.
