QCup Rd 8 Souths 12 Mackay 24

by NRL

The Mackay Cutters overcame some determined defence from the Souths Logan Magpies to record a 24-12 win at Davies Park.

The Cutters have now won four games in a row and are well entrenched in the Intrust Super Cup top five.

In a fairly attacking game, both teams should have registered more points, with all three of the goal kickers on the day finding it difficult to add the extras in a deceptive wind at the West End ground.

Despite having not played for two weeks; the Magpies were out of the blocks early and were in a positive attacking mindset from the outset.

Their unrelenting pressure on the Cutters line finally paid off for the home side - with a flying Dallas Anderson rewarded with a four-pointer after an earlier attempt was disallowed.

It was about 20 minutes into the game before the Cutters got any meaningful ball - but a Matt Minto pass to destructive centre Moses Pangai started Mackay on their first attacking raid.

Pangai charged downfield, only to be ankle-tapped, but was able to get the ball away and late inclusion Cowboy Glenn Hall was there to score the first try for the visitors.

With the momentum of the game now on their side; the Cutters crashed over again soon after via former Magpie Lewis Balcomb who latched on to a short ball from Grant Rovelli close to the line.

The kick was waved away, giving Mackay a 10-4 lead, but they were keen to add more points before halftime.

However, Souths Logan were able to hold out repeated waves of attack from the Cutters to go into the break only the six points down.

The plucky Magpies were again on the attack early when play resumed and were rewarded with two quick tries; firstly to Josh Damen and the second to Darcy Wright. Wright had Damen to thank for his try, with the lanky fullback's no-look flick pass behind him creating the opportunity.

However, they were to be their final points of the afternoon as the Cutters kicked into another gear to end the game.

Further tries to skipper Rovelli and a double to Michael Thomas put the result beyond doubt - although it did not stop the Magpies from throwing everything they had left at their opposition as the clock wound down.

Despite earning a penalty goal attempt in the final minute of the game, Minto was not able to convert it, finishing the game with two successful kicks from six attempts.

The Cutters will next host the Ipswich Jets on Saturday, while the Magpies face another tough challenge and will play the Wynnum Seagulls at BMD Kougari Oval.

MACKAY CUTTERS 24 (Michael Thomas 2, Grant Rovelli, Lewis Balcomb, Glenn Hall tries; Matt Minto 2 goals) def SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 12 (Josh Damen, Dallas Anderson, Darcy Wright tries) at Davies Park.

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