Dolphins’ winning run comes to an end
The Redcliffe Dolphins’ winning streak has come to the end at the hands of bayside rivals Wynnum Manly Seagulls, in a fiery battle on Sunday afternoon.
After three straight victories over the past month, the Dolphins’ momentum has hit a slight setback following the 18-10 Round 15 loss at Kougari Oval.
It was always going to be a tough challenge for Rivalry Round 2.0, with the Seagulls sitting in third place on the competition ladder.
But the Dolphins bolted out of the gate early with a dominant start, as backrower Tom Opacic hit a gap to cross in the 2nd minute.
Winger Nat McGavin then followed up 13 minutes later, dancing down the sideline off a pass from Jaron Purcell to score in the corner.
The early signs looked promising, but from here, the tide started to turn Wynnum Manly’s way.
The Dolphins didn’t score again as the Seagulls started to dominate.
While possession was nearly equal – going Wynnum Manly’s way slightly at 51 per cent – Redcliffe struggled to make the most of their time with the ball, particularly close to the line.
The Seagulls scored three unanswered tries following Redcliffe’s opening efforts, collecting points through Treymain Spry, Cooper Roberts and Liam Sutton.
Redcliffe tried hard to fight their way back into the match, with the final 15 minutes particularly tense – including a sin bin for captain Max Bailey and Wynnum Manly halfback Sutton – but ill-discipline let them down as they struggled to execute their opportunities.
The Dolphins finished with 14 errors and 67 per cent completion, with a few things to work on over the next two weeks.
Redcliffe will now enjoy a bye weekend before heading up to Cairns in Round 17 to take on the Northern Pride.