The Redcliffe Dolphins will head into Saturday’s away match at Burleigh with renewed confidence after stunning reigning premiers the Norths Devils with a last-minute win in the Host Plus Cup.
The Dolphins travelled to Bishop Park on Sunday desperate for improvement after a disappointing defeat to the Sunshine Coast in the previous week’s opening round of the competition.
And it proved the theory of coach Scott Murray; two trials that were cancelled by wet weather had left the Dolphins with a lack of match practice.
Murray put that down as the main contributor to the loss to the Falcons, and it was justified when the Dolphins came from behind to edge the Devils 13-12 in the dying moments of the round two match.
A scoreless first 40 minutes – an unusual occurence in this competition – underlined how important the game was to both teams.
Norths then found the lead, tries to Sam Lavea and Brendan Frei giving them a 12-0 advantage with 16 minutes to go.
It stung Redcliffe into action, two converted tries in five minutes to Jarret Boland and Shane Pumipi tying the match up.
Redcliffe half Adam Cook then stepped up to slot the winning field goal with two minutes remaining.
“We were always going to be better this week – we just hadn’t played any footy,” said Murray.
“Our defence was good and it stood up when it needed to.
“Our middle forwards dominated the game late, and we were able to get some fast people through the middle of the ruck.
“Then Adam Cook did the job and nailed it for us.”
The Dolphins will travel to Pizzey Park on Saturday to meet the undefeated Bears at 4pm.