Seagulls grind out tough win against Falcons in Hervey Bay

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls relocated their Round 12 Hostplus Cup match to Ralph Stafford Park, Hervey Bay in an Indigenous recognition match.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council, Deadly Choices and Galangoor Duwalami Primary Healthcare all contributed significantly to the organisation of this match and helped to encourage a large crowd to attend.

Plenty of Falcons fans made the trip up north for Round 12, just a two-hour drive from their base in Kawana.

A Traditional Welcome to Country, dance and smoking ceremonies welcomed the players onto the field before kick-off.

In this highly-anticipated clash, the Seagulls started the better of the two teams, earning repeat sets before breaking through for a try via Zac Hosking in the seventh minute.

Strong carries from Darryn Schonig and Max Bailey inspired the Falcons, however, the Seagulls continued their momentum when TC Robati broke through to double their lead in the 17th minute. Seagulls led 10-0.

The Seagulls were in again seven minutes later through fullback David Mead, taking the score to 16-0.

Speedster Deine Mariner broke the Falcons defence on his own 10-metre line and ran 80 metres before being tackled, in a stunning effort that could have put the game to rest.

The Falcons steadied the game and resisted more Seagulls attacks, however two penalty goals to Max Plath in the final eight minutes of the first half extended the Seagulls' lead to 20-0 at the break.