Round 7 Sunday wrap: Blackhawks hold off Dolphins
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The Townsville Blackhawks claimed their third win of the season in a tense battle with the Redcliffe Dolphins on Sunday.
In an entertaining match - with a few tries worthy of the highlight reel - Terry Campese's Blackhawks managed to cause an upset with a 28-20 victory on home turf at Jack Manski Oval.
The Blackhawks ran in five tries to four but had to work hard to ensure the Dolphins couldn't fight their way back into the match, with Redcliffe earning a reputation this year for close wins and their ability to fightback.
But Townsville were too strong in the end, handing Redcliffe their second loss of the year.
Campese said it was a big day for the club as they commemorated Anzac Day and also celebrated the Cup debut of Lachlan Lerch and the club debut of former Mackay Cutter and Sunshine Coast Falcon, Morgan McWhirter.
Match: Blackhawks v Dolphins
Round 7 -
home Team
Blackhawks
11th Position
away Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
Venue: Jack Manski Oval, Townsville
"It’s very pleasing," he said of the win.
"I’m happy for the boys, especially the two that debuted for the club with young Lurchie and Morgan. It’s always a special moment and one to remember.
"I’m pleased they went out and executed our game plan. They’ve been working really hard.
"I’ve said previously that we were close and today we were closer. We still have some improvements but we are getting better as a squad."
It was veteran winger Kalifa Faifai Loa who scored the try that made the difference in the end, with an acrobatic effort getting him across the line.
Redcliffe winger Steven Numambo also showed some theatrics, when he scored the Dolphins' first try of the day.
Campese said he definitely saw his side's attack click on Sunday, after taking them through some inconsistencies earlier in the week.
"I showed them clips throughout the week of our inconsistency with our shapes," he said.
"We’re just inconsistent in having the same shapes and set ups each time. I showed them so they could visualise it.
"Today we did that more consistently and tested their defence more often. They’ll get some confidence from that, especially the halves."
Campese was left impressed with a number of his players, including McWhirter, centre Gehamat Shibasaki and veteran prop James Tamou, but gave the Anzac player of the match award to five-eighth Matt Wright.
Townsville will be at home again in Round 8, taking on the PNG Hunters on Sunday, while the Dolphins will look to bounce back against the Western Clydesdales on Saturday.
For all of Saturday's Round 7 results, click here.
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