Round 1
Ipswich Jets 34 d. Wynnum Manly Seagulls 24

2008 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats]

Location: Australia > Queensland > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: Wizard Queensland Cup

Jets Clinch Controversial Opener
Mon March 17, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

The Titans boys arrived in numbers but it was a couple of Ipswich mainstays - local product Todd Riggs and experienced centre Jason Bulgarelli - who piloted the Jets to a dramatic opening round win over Wynnum Manly.

The Jets' controversial 34-24 win over a 12-man Seagulls outfit provided the perfect "house warming" present for coach Kevin Walters.

The match was the club's first at the refurbished Briggs Road Complex, and a good crowd was on hand to watch the Jets run in seven tries on a warm Saturday afternoon.

Bulgarelli, who has already told teammates he'll retire at the end of the season, bagged two tries.

The first came after Matt Cross scooped up a short kick from Riggs and flicked the ball back on the inside to the unmarked 31-year-old centre.

But it was his second try which was perhaps the most important play of the match.

A spirited Seagulls outfit had just levelled the score at 18-all in the second half when Bulgarelli accepted a sweetly timed pass from Riggs and strolled over under the posts.

"We've been doing a little bit at training," Bulgarelli said of his partnership with Riggs.

"But the forwards have been doing the job for us. We've just got to hold on to the ball - that's all it comes down to."

Bulgarelli's centre partner - Titans contracted-player Gavin Cooper - also grabbed two tries for Ipswich.

Cooper was at the centre of the incident which led to the dismissal of Wynnum Manly lock Adam Brideson.

After Cooper had pounced on a grubber kick to score a try that levelled the score at 10-all shortly before half-time, Brideson was given his marching orders for allegedly striking Cooper with his boot.

Seagulls coach Shane McNally was furious with the decision, which left the Seagulls a man down in the second half.

McNally said Cooper was not injured and the best option would have been to place the player on report.

McNally, whose side led 12-10 at half-time, firmly believed the Seagulls would have won the opening round clash had they not lost Brideson.

The Seagulls also had to contend with the loss of winger Tom Hewitt (hamstring) and skipper Darren Bain (head knock).

"We worked hard for each other ? I can't fault any of the boys," McNally said.

"They were great under the circumstances."

Five-eighth Dallas McIlwain made an immediate impact for the Seagulls. He created two tries for the Seagulls with superb off-loads in traffic.

Luke Dalziel Don completed a hat-trick of tries for the Seagulls after combining beautifully with McIlwain midway through the second half.

Despite playing a man down, the visitors were able to draw within four points of the Jets with seven minutes remaining.

But a late try from powerhouse utility Chris Afamasaga sealed a 10-point win for the home team.

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