Written by Clare Quilty
Wynnum-Manly Seagulls bounced back in style, defeating the Souths Logan Magpies 42-18 at Davies Park on Sunday in Round 22 of the Hostplus Cup.
The Seagulls made an early impact through second-rower Bayley Sironen, who crossed in the second minute, with winger Alex Lobb converting to give Wynnum an early 6-0 lead.
Souths Logan opened their account in the 14th minute, but Sironen responded seven minutes later with his second try of the afternoon, with Lobb again converting.
Wynnum continued to build pressure through the forwards, with second-rower Brendan Frei crossing in the 25th minute before Jamie Hill extended the Seagulls’ lead four minutes later. Lobb’s reliable boot added the extras to both tries.
The Magpies struck again before half-time, but Wynnum held firm to take a 24-12 lead into the break.
Souths Logan came out firing in the second half, scoring early to reduce the deficit, but Alex Lobb hit back in the 48th minute.
His momentum continued just five minutes later, when Lobb crossed for his second try of the afternoon before completing his hat-trick with five minutes remaining.
To cap off a stellar group performance, centre Jordan Swann crossed for his first try of the afternoon in the 79th minute, with Lobb converting to seal a convincing 42-18 victory.
Lobb was instrumental in the Seagulls’ win, contributing 22 points through three tries and five successful conversions.
The result lifts the Seagulls to 8th on the Hostplus Cup ladder, with just one round of the regular season remaining before finals.
Wynnum-Manly will return home to BMD Kougari Oval this Sunday to face the Brisbane Tigers in their final regular-season clash.
In the BMD Women’s Premiership, Wynnum-Manly suffered a 34-12 loss to the Magpies and will also return home to face the Brisbane Tigers. A week out from finals, the Seagulls sit 10th on the ladder.