Match report presented by George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals
BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls hosted the Central QLD Capras on Sunday, in front of a strong crowd that had built up during the day.
Earlier, Beenleigh played Wynnum Manly Juniors across three BRL games, after relocating their home games to BMD Kougari Oval.
On a day where we recognised McDonalds Bayside for their support of the Seagulls, and raised money for Ronald McDonalds House Charities SEQ, rugby league lovers kept flowing through the gates.
It was a great start for Wynnum Manly as the ball went through the hands and Stanford Talita crossed in the corner in the 2nd minute.
Talita was almost in again 4 minutes later, but as he was getting tackled over the sideline, he threw the ball back in field to Bryce Donovan to score the Seagulls second try.
The Seagulls hot start continued as Josh Stuckey got his nose through 20m out and offloaded to Kalolo Saitaua, who ducked and weaved to score under the posts.
14-0 Seagulls after 14 minutes.
Cory Paix then got on the scoresheet in the 21st minute, with his near-unstoppable burrow from dummy half close to the line.
The Seagulls led 20-0 before the Capras scored in the 27th and 38th minutes to bring the score to 20-10 at half time.
Wynnum Manly continued their recent run of quick second half starts, as Zac Hetherington poked through the line to offload to Paix, who kicked for Ollie Pascose to kick back to him, as Paix grabbed his second through next to the posts.
However, Dolphins NRL player Anthony Milford led the fightback for the CQ Capras as he scored in the 47th minute and was involved in their next two tries to put the Capras in front 28-26.
All of a sudden, Wynnum Manly were chasing the game after leading all the way.
A 69th minute penalty from Bryce Donovan tied the game and set up a thrilling last 10 minutes.
Anthony Milford missed a field goal, before Seagull Kurt Falls had his attempt charged down.
Bryce Donovan missed a field goal by a whisker, but was then on hand to chase 60m and dive on a loose ball to save the Seagulls from defeat – a true Captain’s play.
The full time siren sounded at 28-28, with both teams feeling like they should have won the game.
The Seagulls remain in 3rd place on the ladder and will aim to go one better on Saturday afternoon.
Next game:
Wynnum Manly are off to their traditional rival, the Redcliffe Dolphins, on Saturday 22nd of June at 5pm before returning home to face the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Saturday 29th of June.