Redcliffe hold onto second with resounding victory

A ruthless Redcliffe Dolphins outfit have dominated in Round 21 of the Hostplus Cup, putting the Brisbane Tigers to the sword 46-16 at Kayo Stadium on Sunday.

The Dolphins went into today’s clash knowing they needed to get the win if they wanted to maintain their hold on second spot on the competition ladder.

And they managed to do so in fine fashion, with a dominant first half contributing to a satisfying victory.

With finals just three weeks away, the Dolphins – buoyed by the presence of a number of NRL faces – came bolting out of the gates with an early try to winger Tevita Naufahu in the left corner in the 7th minute.

Fullback Trai Fuller – one of the best on the field throughout the clash – followed not long after, combining with breakaway backrower Sam Elliott to add the four points.

Jude Saldanha then went back-to-back in the 24th and 29th minutes to extend the lead to 22-0 before halfback Josh James crossed in the 34th minute to seal Redcliffe’s first half efforts.

The Dolphins leaked just one try in the opening stanza, with Jack Rampton racing away with an intercept in the 38th.

With a 28-6 halftime lead, Redcliffe were determined to avoid a second half slump. Hooker Jordan Plath did nab his first four-pointer in Dolphins colours just three minutes into the second half but then there were a few worrying signs as the Tigers scored twice within three minutes.

However, Redcliffe were undeterred and refused to let their momentum slip through their hands.

Saldanha earned his hat-trick under the posts in the 68th minute before a barnstorming Seb Su’a put the finishing touches on the match in the 78th.

The Dolphins remain in second place with two home games up their sleeve before finals.

Next week they will take on the Tweed Seagulls in the Liam Hampson Cup and then they will host the Western Clydesdales in Round 23.