Round in review: Hastings Deering Colts Finals Week 1

Finals Week 1

The moments that mattered

The Tigers on Saturday led 18-6 at the break, but fresh from hearing the halftime message from coach Mark Gliddon, Brisbane's Jackson Chang went to dummy-half and split the Blackhawks up the middle to send lock Brock Ashton straight under the posts.

Just 44 seconds into the second half, the Blackhawks were now looking at a 24-6 scoreline and were unable to claw back the win.

At UAA Park, it was 12 minutes in against the Bears when Tweed hooker Oskar Bryant found an opening in the Bears’ line. With a one-hand pick up at dummy-half, Bryant darted over to open the scoring and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Meanwhile, Redcliffe’s big moment came a lot earlier than they would have planned when, just one minute into their final against the Magpies, Taniela Otukolo scored.

Then three minutes later the Dolphins made the Magpies drop even further when fullback Brenton Baira went through on the left and sent a clear signal that it was game on at 8-0 after eight minutes.

And finally, in the only Colts game on Sunday, the Falcons came into the second half down 10-6.

But, working out of their own end, the Sunshine Coast quickly changed momentum after the break, putting in a little kick for try-scoring sensation Mason Peut to cross. 

That try triggered another with Josh Chappell then scoring four minutes later and the Falcons never gave it up from there.

Shout outs

Tigers’ front rower Casey Morgan led the way for his team against the Townsville Blackhawks, barging his way through 188 run metres, while Jackson Chang came off the bench and had a great impact with two tries.

On the opposite side of the park, Townsville skipper Ragarive Wavik did what he could for his side with a stunning 210 run metres and four tackle busts.

Minor premiers Tweed dominated through their entire squad, with Oskar Bryant particularly impressive with one try, two try assists, three tackle busts and two line break assists.

Tanu Nona and Logan Radzievic bagged doubles for the Seagulls.

For Redcliffe, Brenton Baira was sensational with 234 run metres, two tries and nine tackle breaks while halfback Connor Williams led his team to the crucial victory with a hat-trick and another two try assists.

And in the final game on Sunday, Falcons centre and Colts leading tryscorer Mason Peut earned a double while halfback Josh Chappell proved lethal as they mounted their second half comeback against Wynnum Manly.

Finals Week 2 schedule

Saturday, September 2

Townsville Blackhawks v Sunshine Coast Falcons at Jack Manski Oval, 12pm

Burleigh Bears v Redcliffe Dolphins at UAA Park, 4pm

*All Hastings Deering Colts finals matches are live and free on Qplus.tv.