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Seagulls Claim Silverware
Gulls earn BRL Grand Final berth
Seagulls and Panthers face off in BRL preliminary final
BRL progess and Colts go down in Finals
BRL and Colts are Finals Bound
Seagulls Claim Silverware
Colleen Edwards & QRL Media
After a hard-fought – and at times, frantic – 80 minutes, it was the Seagulls who were singing their team victory song after holding out the Redcliffe Dolphins 28-20 to claim the BRL A Grade In Safe Hands Cup title.
While it was a successful return to grand final day for the Seagulls who lost the inaugural decider in the re-vamped competition in 2015 to the Ipswich Jets; Redcliffe have had to ensure back-to-back defeats in the final game of the season after losing out to Valleys last year.
The Dolphins were on the back foot from the start of the game; with the Seagulls able to apply pressure early and spend much of the opening half camped in their half to attack their line.
The kicking game from the Gulls caused all sorts of issues for the Phins outside backs; with dropped balls giving Wynnum Manly plenty of opportunity to attack.
The opening points of the afternoon were scored as the Gulls won a scrum mid-way through the half in good position; with fullback Matthew Milson the one to go over for his side. Skipper John Te Reo successfully slotted the conversion for a 6-0 lead.
More errors continued to build from both teams late on the half; but it was the Phins who would pay the price again.
And after applying some sustained pressure on the Dolphins line; the Seagulls were in again after an opportunistic dive from dummy half Kalolo Saitaua was successful. The Phins had just put a halt to a similar attempt the play before and were not expecting another quick lunge at the line.
Trailing 12-0 with six minutes to go to the break, there was finally some joy for the Dolphins fans – which included most members of the Intrust Super Cup squad who will play in their grand final next Sunday – with winger Will Partridge dotting down for the first of his three tries for the afternoon after he proved too speedy down the left side line after chasing through on a kick.
Scores remained at 12-4 until the break, but the number of players on the field was diminished; with both sides each losing one player to the sin bin after a fiery exchange with five minutes left in the half.
The Dolphins came into the second half with a renewed vigour and their speed up the middle of the field was rewarded with Partridge’s second try, sparked by a break from Sheldon Pitama.
The conversion missed and the minor premiers trailed 12-8 early in the second half with plenty of time left to play.
However, another error invited the Gulls back into attacking position and after a short delay in play for an injury; Wynnum Manly were able to refocus instantly with Kelly Tate sneaking over to the left of the uprights for an 8-16 lead with 29 to go.
They were in again soon after when Junior Pita burrowed his way to the line. Another successful conversion from Te Reo had his side up 22-8 and with one hand on the cup with only 16 minutes left to play.
However, the Dolphins were able to flip the script almost instantly with Partridge again finding room down the left-hand side to run in for his third try. Reece Braun’s successful conversion from the left-hand touchline was a success for a 22-14 scoreline.
Seagulls 28 (Matthew Milson 2, Kalolo Saitaua, Kelly Tate, Junior Pita tries; John Te Reo 3 goals, Mitchell Moore goal) def Redcliffe Dolphins 20 (Will Partridge 3, Agassi Stowers tries; Reece Braun 2 goals) at Bishop Park
Player of the Match: John Te Reo (Seagulls)
Halftime: 12-4 to Seagulls
…
Results – curtain-raiser matches
Reserve Grade: Beenleigh Pride 18 def West Brisbane Panthers 16.
Under 21: St Brendan’s 26 def Capalaba 24
Seagulls and Panthers face off in BRL preliminary final
By John Devine – QRL Media
The Redcliffe Dolphins await the winner of this Saturday afternoon’s In Safe Hands Cup preliminary final between the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Wests Brisbane Panthers.
The last time these two clubs played was in Round 16 and on that day, the Seagulls were too strong from the Panthers winning 40-8. However, the Panthers had won the previous three meetings (Round 1, Round 6 and Round 11).
To make their way to the preliminary final; Seagulls held on to progress through their elimination final against Easts, but while the Panthers outscored the Dolphins in the second half, they were unable to go straight through to the grand final after falling victim to a late Tony Tumusa double.
Seagulls coach Ron Troutman’s flock were outstanding last week against the Tigers. Despite fan favourite Peter Gubb being sent to the sin bin just before half time, the Seagulls put three tries on while Gubb watched the clock.
Troutman was relieved that no further action during the week will be taken against Gubb, meaning he is free to play in the important match.
The Seagulls have named an extended bench as he awaits fitness tests on Corey Davis (concussion) and Semisi Ahoafi (hamstring).
Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard was praised by his coach during the week and the big backrower will be looking to take the rest of the pack up the middle while Jacob Paulo and Josh Hoffman have been in damaging form of late and will test the Panthers defence.
The Seagulls have not played a grand final since 2015 while the Panthers have played in the last two preliminary finals, but have yet to get to the big show.
The Panthers have reshuffled their squad with the talented Mikaere Beattie returning to pair up with Zach Strasser in the halves, moving Kyle Van Klaveren back to fullback.
The big unit Josh Afoa has been named to start in the front row with the metre-eater Michael Molo and the unpredictable Adam Harris at hooker.
Drae Aiono drops to a bench that will need extra support with Simona Vavega and the return of Henry Togiasua putting pressure on the lanks.
Panthers coach Wayne Weekes also has the elusive Gavin Causer to let off the leash as the opposition pack begins to tire.
Preliminary Final
Panthers v Seagulls – WJ Scott Park, Saturday, September 8 at 3.15pm
Watch the live stream by clicking this link
BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls
1. Matthew Milson 2. Peter Gubb 3. Harlan Collins 4. Tumoana Halkyard 5. Jack Goodsell 6. John Te Reo 7. Mitchell Moore 8. Ngarima Pita 9. Kalolo Saitaua 10. Billy Solah 11. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard 12. Semisi Ahoafi 13. Joshua Hoffman 14. Corey Davis 15. Jacob Paulo 16. Bradley Mana 17. Kelly Tate 18. Jaz Nahu-Main 19. Adrian Elder (two to be omitted)
Coach: Ron Troutman
West Brisbane Panthers
1. Kyle Van Klaveren 2. Namila Davui 3. Kennedy Pettyborne 4. Sam Collins 5. James Olds 6. Mikaere Beattie 7. Zach Strasser 8. Michael Molo 9. Adam Harris 10. Josh Afoa 11. Troy Swift 12. Billy Rogers 13. Dominic Biondi 16. Henry Togiasua 17. Gavin Causer 18. Simona Vavega 19. Drae Aiono
Coach: Wayne Weekes
* John Devine is a QRL correspondent covering the BRL A Grade competition
