Mackay claim first ever win over Blackhawks

However, things didn't start well for the visitors with Blackhawks forward Joe Boyce crossing in the 12th minute; but the side didn't panic - with coach Steve Sheppard saying after the match that he felt his side were in control the entire game.

The Cutters responded only moments later with a try to experienced winger Marcus Jensen who converted his own try; and from there on in, they were never headed.

"The boys did a really good job (and) I thought we were in control even in the start, it was really one defensive lapse and Blackhawks took advantage of it," Sheppard said.

"But defensively I thought we were building something from last week; Wynnum scored all three tries off kicks and I thought our defence had been really good and I thought tonight that we put in a really good performance."

While the Cutters had lost to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Round 4; they were very much in the contest and put in a game performance; given their depleted bench by the end of the match. 

"Our whole year we have tried to improve each game," Sheppard said.

"We set a very good foundation against Easts and were unlucky against Souths and we had a good win against Capras and last week; I thought our defence improved again, even though we lost, we have been in games, but we just haven’t been able to ice them."

For Townsville, it was a disappointing follow-up to their hard-fought win over Burleigh last weekend, but they were missing some frontline regulars including halfback Michael Parker-Walshe. 

In claiming their break-through win, Sheppard praised a strong all-round performance from his entire team; but reserved special mention for his starting forward pack and halves.

"I thought our starting middle was outstanding; Alex Gerrard our (English) front rower, he played the first 65 minutes and Rossy Bella was really good early and Jordan Kenworthy, his line speed and aggression has been getting better all year," Sheppard said.

"I thought they all laid a really good platform and like I said, I thought our halves did a really good job to control the game off their foundation."

Next weekend, Mackay will be looking to back up their performance when they host the Tweed Seagulls on Saturday; while the Blackhawks will be at home to an improving Redcliffe Dolphins.