Norths gave their supporters an enjoyable ride as they crunched Central Queensland Capras 42-12 at Bishop Park tonight.
The Devils had featured in five consecutive matches decided by single-figure margins until a first-half onslaught floored the Capras.
Young winger Herbie Farnworth, in just his third senior game, bagged 22 points including two tries as the Devils cruised to halftime leading 36-0.
Farnworth is just 18 years old but he has made a strong impact with Norths this year. He broke his hand in his previous two matches – the opening clash against Tweed Heads and the stirring win over Easts at Langlands Park in Round 8.
Farnworth broke his hand for a second time when he scored against Easts but he had no injury problems tonight as Norths netted an important win.
The Devils had won two consecutive matches but coach Rohan Smith impressed on his players the need to add another win to keep pace in the congested race for the top of the table.
That wasn’t in doubt after Norths raced in tries in the eighth, 13th, 17th and 22nd minutes to kick clear.
When Farnworth busted the defence in the 34th minute, sprinting 60 metres for a superb solo try, the Devils’ supporters relaxed on a cold night at Bishop Park.
“We’ve been trying to improve all year and tonight showed some of the things we’ll need as we get closer to the end of the season,” Smith said.
“Tonight was a quality team performance and we saw good contributions across the board including some of our young players.”
The Capras bounced from a halftime address from coach Kim Williams to post tries to hooker Billy Gilbert (46th minute) and centre Connor Broadhurst (51st minute).
But the Devils regained momentum when fullback Jack Ahearn scored his second try of the night in the 61st minute, catching a slick bat-back from prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown from a Troy Dargan kick.
Guy Williams scored his second try in as many weeks as he celebrated his 232nd Intrust Super Cup match, putting him into equal sixth on the all-time list.
Earlier in the day, the Devils survived a scare in the Hastings Deerings Colts match as they overcame the Capras 36-28. The visitors scored three quick tries late in the match before the Devils recovered for another win.
NORTHS DEVILS 42 (Herbie Farnworth 2, Jack Ahearn 2, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Guy Williams, Alex Bishop tries, Farnworth 7 goals) d CENTRAL QUEENSLAND CAPRAS 12 (Billy Gilbert, Connor Broadhurst tries, Broadhurst 2 goals) at Bishop Park.
