Finals Week 2 Saturday wrap: Dolphins progress, Capras out
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Redcliffe Dolphins came out firing at Kayo Stadium in their elimination final against Central Queensland Capras, racing to a 24-point lead early.
Dolphins prop Josh Kerr crossed for two early tries, followed by captain Max Bailey and gun centre Valynce Te Whare, and the Dolphins never took the pressure off from there going into half-time up 24-10.
The Capras were always in the game - fighting with every play - but could not get the job done.
Dolphins skipper Bailey said "it was a great game".
"We started really well and as Capras do, they came back, but we were good enough to hold on in the end," Bailey said.
"Young Tommy Casey, it was his first game in a while (second Cup game ever) coming in at five-eighth for Latrell (Siegwalt) that got suspended and ended up in fullback… he was amazing for us… first game of the year and he absolutely killed it. He was a standout for sure.
"Both Dolphins affiliates, a few mates out there, so it’s always good to go at each other. It was tough, it’s always tough against Capras... they go through the middle, they play through the ruck… we were up for it today and got the better of them.
"We just got back to what we’re good at… completing high and going through the middle. Last week we were pretty off and we knew we needed to change to get a win. It’s another step forward and we’ve got to be good next week, that’s for sure.
"Got to go up to Cairns now, it’s going to be a tough trip, but we’re ready for it."
Bailey said it would take high completions to beat Pride, but he believed in his side.
"We got them once this year here at home, but it’s going to be a whole different game up there... as I said, we’re ready for it... we’ve just got to complete high and not give away too many penalties, and give ourselves a chance," he said.
"It feels really good... last week we were way off and we knew we were good enough to be here, at this time of year, so it’s good to take another step in the right direction. One more game until the big dance… we’re ready to go."
Match: Dolphins v Capras
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
away Team
Capras
6th Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Capras captain Jack Madden said it was really disappointing not to progress.
"Really disappointed... they were just too good tonight," Madden said.
"We let a 24-point lead go there to start the game and that’s never going to be good enough to win a game of footy in a finals game... they were all over us early and we just didn’t match it and that was the game there.
"Disappointing we didn’t bring our best but it is what it is.
"We’re a team now that we want more than that… but it wasn’t to be. We didn’t play our best game of footy today, they were the better team today, and good luck to them for the rest of the year.
"We just weren’t good enough today, simple as that. They were too good and outmuscled us and yeah, they were too good, hats off to them."
Madden thanked all Capras supporters for their support throughout the season.
"We couldn’t have done it without them all, got this far without them," he said.
"Three years in a row we’ve built this club up and turned it around but we as a playing group want more and hopefully we can give more in years to come."
Tomorrow Sunshine Coast Falcons and PNG Hunters fight it out to take on Norths Devils in Finals Week 3.
Match: Falcons v Hunters
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Falcons
4th Position
away Team
Hunters
5th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Catch all of the action live and free at Qplus.tv.
To get your tickets to this year's highly-anticipated Queensland Rugby League grand final day, presented by Ford, click here.
