It was a heartbreaker at BMD Kougari Oval in Round 16 as the Falcons scored in the 79th minute to steal the victory from the Seagulls.
The crowd built through the afternoon as the Wynnum Manly Juniors won games against Carina Tigers in U19 and Open 1’s.
There was an expectation for a great game between two teams close on the ladder, after a tight clash in Round 10 on North Stradbroke Island.
Chris Lewis scored first for the Falcons in the 6th minute as they opened a 6-0 nil lead.
A tight battle ensued as 20 minutes went past without troubling the scorers. The crowd knew they were in for an exciting contest.
The Falcons kicked a penalty goal, shortly before Fua Schwalger, on debut for the Seagulls, then scored in the right corner to get his new team back in the game.
The scored stayed at 8-6 until halftime.
Wynnum Manly hit the front for the first time in the 56th minute when debutant Schwalger was in again, to bring the score to 10-8 Seagulls.
The game entered another 20 minute period where the teams couldn’t be separated, with the football travelling back and forth but both defences remaining strong.
Sunshine Coast made a break up field in the 74th minute and Connor Broadhurst made a great covering chase and tackle. Unfortunately he was sin-binned during the play, which gave the Falcons the advantage they needed.
With less than two minutes remaining and an extra man on the field, the Falcons scored to go ahead 14-10.
They held on for four more plays of the ensuing kickoff to seal a memorable win in enemy territory.
A disappointing result for the Seagulls who would have been deserved winners if they had held on.
Up next for Wynnum Manly is Round 17 on Sunday 7 July against the Souths Logan Magpies at home. This is always a closely fought game, with the winning team receiving the coveted Mitch Cronin Cup.
This game is a 2:10pm kickoff, and will be broadcast on Kayo Freebies, 9Now and QPlus.tv for free.