Round 9
Burleigh Bears 22 d. Norths Devils 14

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

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

Fire Returns For Busy Bears
Mon May 12, 2008
Source: www.qrl.com.au

The Burleigh Bears have survived a late rally from the Norths Devils to snap a worrying three-match losing streak.

Burleigh responded to a mid season shake up from coach Jim Lenihan, who axed several front-liners following the Bears' embarrassing 62-28 loss to the Redcliffe Dolphins last weekend.

A more committed Burleigh team led from start to finish on their way to a 22-14 victory over the young Devils outfit at Pizzey Park.

With the mandatory two points coming their way courtesy of the bye next weekend, Burleigh is poised to make a lightning fast move up the ladder.

Hooker Scott Smith said the Bears were pleased to get their season back on track.

"We haven't been going too well the last four or five games," Smith told the ABC.

"It was good to get the two points. It was a little bit disappointing letting them come back but two points is two points."

Burleigh led 22-4 after 70 minutes but were very nearly run down in the dying minutes.

A brilliant try from Kayle Connor in the 71st minute added the spark the Devils desperately needed.

Connor's try came after great lead up work from Troy Hansen and Tariq Sims, who showed superb composure under pressure to deliver the final pass.

Just minutes later, skilful winger Willis Grant reeled in the ball from a short grubber kick to cross near the posts.

The Luke Samoa conversion bridged the gap to eight points. The Devils threatened to post another try inside the final four minutes, but were left to ponder what might have been after spilling the ball close to the line.

But in the final wash up, the Bears were deserved winners after making most of the running throughout the match.

Burleigh led 12-0 after 26 minutes after tries from Tom O'Reilly and Josh Blatch.

Devils centre Luke Samoa pegged the score back to 12-4 just before the break with a swift try from dummy half.

The Devils had plenty of chances through the early part of the second half but their poor options and lack of execution prevented them from mounting more pressure on Burleigh.

The Bears didn't have the same problems, with John Flint and Adam Fielder crossing for tries at the other end.

Fielder's sizzling 70 metre effort took his season tally to a staggering 15 tries from just eight matches.

The former Canterbury lower grader scorched down the right hand side of the field to leave Norths defender George Kepa in his wake.

Report sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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