Sunday wrap: Redcliffe move into top four while Tweed claim record-breaking win
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The Redcliffe Dolphins have returned to the top four on the Hostplus Cup ladder, with just one week of regular round action remaining.
In a major boost to their premiership hopes, the Dolphins moved back into the top four with a tight 32-26 victory over the Central Queensland Capras at Kayo Stadium, just one week after a shock loss to the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby.
The Dolphins had to hold off a fast-finishing Capras to secure the win ahead of next week's Round 22 clash against the eighth-placed Northern Pride in Cairns.
The Ben Te'o-coached team are gunning for a top four finish, which will guarantee them two shots at finals action this year.
Redcliffe captain Cameron Cullen said he was impressed with how his side managed to hang in as Central Queensland mounted a comeback from 32-16 down at the 60th minute to be within six points of the home team by fulltime.
Match: Dolphins v Capras
Round 21 -
home Team
Dolphins
4th Position
away Team
Capras
6th Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
"We knew they were going to be tough," he said.
"They're one of the better sides of the comp this year... they did that (comeback) to us last time where we got out to a 30-0 lead and they nearly came back and got us.
"We spoke about it during the week that they're resilient - one of the more resilient, hard-working teams in the comp so we knew they were going to come back.
"We just had to hang in there and I'm glad we did that... There was plenty at stake, the effort was there, but we can definitely improve.
"But we ripped in together today so we deserved it."
Redcliffe were boosted by the returns of fullback Trai Fuller - the Round 21 Hastings Deering player of the match - and the versatile Max Plath, with the duo adding plenty of spark in attack.
Both were missing from last week's loss to the Hunters, which was what saw Redcliffe fall out of the top four.
"It hurt us, that," Cullen said of the Round 20 loss.
"We tried hard but we were disappointed to come all the way back from PNG without two points.
"It made this week even more important to bounce back but also give us a chance to finish in the top four. That was our big focus, was giving ourselves a chance to hdo that.
"Every year it doesn't change. You want to give yourself that shot (at the premiership). We spoke about knowing we can win against any team we come up against.
"We need to win next week so that sets up a big game against Pride in Cairns."
The Capras meanwhile slipped from fifth to sixth on the ladder but can still make the top four next week with a win and if other results go their way.
Elsewhere on Sunday, the Tweed Seagulls claimed the two points over the Ipswich Jets, in a significant match on multiple fronts.
Match: Seagulls v Jets
Round 21 -
home Team
Seagulls
7th Position
away Team
Jets
15th Position
Venue: Piggabeen Sports Complex, Tweed Heads
Not only did the jaw-dropping 72-10 victory move them back into seventh spot - after Saturday's results saw them momentarily fall out of the top eight - but it was their biggest ever Cup win.
This will give Tweed plenty of confidence ahead of next Saturday's must-win showdown with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Match: Magpies v WM Seagulls
Round 21 -
home Team
Magpies
1st Position
away Team
WM Seagulls
5th Position
Venue: Ron Stark Oval, Dunwich
Meanwhile, Souths Logan held onto top spot on the ladder with a high-scoring 42-30 win over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Ron Stark Oval in Dunwich.
They just need a win next week against Central Queensland to wrap up the 2023 minor premiership.
For a wrap of Saturday's results, click here.
