The Tweed Seagulls beat the Central Queensland Capras at Wayne Taylor Oval in Ilfracombe 28-12 this evening.
The Seagulls, buoyed by the inclusion of Gold Coast Titans star Ash Taylor, scored five tries to the Capras' three with one of those coming from Taylor in the 35th minute to send the Gulls into the sheds with positive momentum, after they had trailed for the opening stages.
Match: Seagulls v Capras
Round 18 -
home Team
Seagulls
7th Position
away Team
Capras
14th Position
Venue: Wayne Taylor Oval, Ilfracombe
Richard Sisifa was the first to score for the Capras when he was over in the 21st minute, with BJ Aufaga-Toomaga then adding to his growing total for the 2019 season when he ran in for the first of his double in the 28th minute.
However, they were unable to convert any of their tries; and then allowed Taylor in for what proved to be a crucial try on the cusp of halftime.
Spectators from Barcaldine, Blackall, Central Highlands and Dirranbandi to experience the match.
Queensland Sports Minister Mick de Brenni also attended the game and got to hear about and see firsthand the benefits Country Week games bring to people from communities like Ilfracombe.
Minister de Brenni said he really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the 'Get in the Game' Country Week round having previously attended games in Winton and Cooktown.
From the start of the second half, the Gulls kicked into gear with a steady progression of four-pointers from the 51st to 69th minutes (four in total) taking the game away from a Capras side who were unlucky to be on the receiving end of a loss last weekend in Round 17.
The result means the Capras have now not had a win in their last 17 games (although that number includes one draw), while the Gulls were able to arrest a worrying losing streak which had seen them drop their past five matches.
Rugby league fans across the game would have been happy to see the involvement of Taylor in the game, which also included as successful conversion in the 71st minute.
Earlier in the week, the NRL's game development officer visited schools in the region in the lead up, while both teams participated in a clinic for junior players on game day morning which was well received by the 50 plus participants and parents.
Both teams visited the iconic Well Shot Hotel in Ilfracombe on Friday night for dinner and experienced country hospitality at its best, while they also got a taste of life on the land when they got to see a droving team moving a large mob of cattle along on the outskirts of town.
The Seagulls will face Mackay Cutters in Round 19 in the first week of the split round.
Match: Seagulls v Cutters
Round 19 -
home Team
Seagulls
7th Position
away Team
Cutters
10th Position
Venue: Piggabeen Sports Complex, Tweed Heads
The Capras will take on ladder leaders Sunshine Coast Falcons the following weekend, in the second week of the split round.
Match: Falcons v Capras
Round 19 -
home Team
Falcons
1st Position
away Team
Capras
14th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast