Wynnum Manly withstood a determined fight from a spirited Northern Pride at BMD Kougari Oval yesterday to deny the visitors a desperately-needed win, closing out the game 14-10.

After their demoralising performance against the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles last weekend, where they suffered the worst loss in their history – half of the interest in the match was focused on how the north Queensland team would respond.

While the surprising late inclusion of Chris Sheppard lifted the Pride – his presence was not enough to topple the Seagulls who were determined to return to the winners circle following their 14-point loss last weekend.

In an absorbing match dominated by strong defence, it took 30 minutes for the first points to be scored.

After the Pride forwards had carted the ball through the middle of the field, a quick ball right to Michael Bani found the speedy winger in space – and he used his pace to burn up the sideline.

His pass back inside found a supporting Ryan Stig, who registered the first points of the afternoon.

Leading 6-0 with the clock ticking down – Pride were guilty of trying too hard to extend their lead – and in the process let errors creep into their play.

And that was all the invitation the Seagulls needed – and with just over a minute left in the half – Luke Dalziel-Don crossed to get the home side on the board and Matt Seamark’s conversion had scores level going into the break.

The Pride lifted their attacking tempo in the second half – but their inability to keep control cost them dearly when a loose pass was picked up by centre Sam Te’o who showed both speed and crafty footwork to put the home side in front.

Both sides showed their intent with some frenetic end-to-end football – but errors continued to prove their undoing.

A Seamark penalty put the Seagulls further in front 14-6, but the Pride combo of Stig and Bani hit straight back to keep the game interesting with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Stig made a bust up the middle of the field before firing a long, looping pass to the Cowboys winger who scored to lift Pride spirits.

After that try, the Pride had every chance to claim the lead – getting the ball back numerous times through a line drop-out, penalties and a scrum feed in the Wynnum half.

But in a defensive performance that would please coach Paul Green, the Seagulls managed to repel everything the Pride threw at them, withstanding wave after wave of attack on their line to cement their standing in the competition’s top four.