BMD Premiership Season Wrap Up

Sunday 19th March, Langlands Park

Tigers 16 v Devils 16

The match between the Norths Devils and Brisbane Tigers ended in a 16-all draw, but the game itself was far from ordinary. The event was filled with unexpected twists and delays, making it a memorable experience for both teams and spectators.

The initial kickoff was scheduled to take place at Langlands Park on a Saturday. However, just as the teams were ready to start, the stadium lights suddenly failed, causing a delay. With no immediate solution available, the Queensland Rugby League made the decision to postpone the match until the following day.

The next day, the teams reconvened to resume the game. However, despite the additional time provided, the lighting issue had not been resolved, and the match had to be played with natural light. As the game progressed, the daylight gradually faded, creating a unique atmosphere on the field.

In the midst of this unusual circumstance, the Norths Devils showcased their resilience and determination. Trailing by ten points with a scoreline of 16-6, the Devils staged a remarkable comeback. In a span of just three minutes, Annette Brander and Katherine Stevens scored two quick tries, leveling the score at 16-all. Their swift offensive moves caught the Tigers off guard and injected new energy into the game.

As the final minutes ticked away and darkness enveloped the field, both teams continued to battle intensely. However, neither side managed to break the deadlock, resulting in a draw when the referee blew the full-time whistle.

Although the final scoreline may not accurately reflect the drama and excitement that unfolded during the match, the Norths Devils' spirited comeback and the challenging circumstances in which the game took place made it a memorable event for all involved.

Tries -  Jada Ferguson 13’, Annette Brander
Norths Debut Players - Belinda Gwasamun, Nakita Tafilia-Sao, Hollie Twidale

Saturday 25th March

WM Seagulls 30 v Devils 16

The Devils scored the first two tries before the Seagulls began a comeback in a 30-16 win for the home team.

The Devils were excellent in patches – they looked in control as Taylor Mapusua crossed in the 10^th minute and Therese Aiton dived over from dummy half 10 minutes later.

Tries -  Taylor Mapusua 9’, Therese Aiton 19”, Taylor Mapusua 47’, Shenae Ciesiolka 58”

Norths Debut Players - Bertshiba  Awoi

Saturday 1st April, Logan Metro Football Fields

Mapgies 22 v Devils 12

Norths took on the undefeated South Logan team at Logan. It was a real test for the Devils going down 5 tries to 2.  Taylor Mapusua put the Devils on the scoreboard in the 55^th minute  off an Ali Brigginshaw kick, which was collected by Shenae Ciesioka who offloaded to Mapusua to cross the line.

The same combination created Norths second try by Grace Giampino, once again off a Brigginshaw kick, collection by Ciesiolka who swiftly passed to Mapusua setting Giampino up for the try.

Tries - Taylor Mapusua 55’, Grace Giampino 79”

Devils Debut Players - Hannah Larsson, Grace Giampino

Saturday 15th April, Bishop Park

Devils 32 v Capras 16

The Devils celebrated their historic first win last weekend on home turf, scrambling for the words to the team victory song after a comprehensive 32-16 triumph over the CQ Capras at Bishop Park.

Captain Jada Ferguson shone in her switch to the No.9 jersey in the absence of Therese Aiton, scoring one of the Devils’ six tries in a much-deserved win.

Ali Brigginshaw featured in the halves while her Jillaroos teammate Shenae Ciesiolka again scored a try while her winger Taylor-Adeline Mapusua grabbed a double.

Devils Debut Players - Martha Molowia

Tries - Taylor Mapusua 6', Belinda Gwasamun 9', Hayley Maddick 21', Shenae Ciesiolka 26', Taylor Mapusua 32', Jada Ferguson 50'

Saturday 22nd April, BB Print Stadium

It was a tough clash for the Devils, as they headed to North Queensland to face a Cutters team described as a “powerhouse” by it’s local media. The Cutters dominated the first have taking a 22-0 halt time lead crossing the line 5 times.

Devils showed their class in the second half outplaying to the Cutters.  Martha Molowia crossed for a try in the 52nd minute that showcased the Devils’ spark.

Ferguson’s dummy-half pass went to half Grace Griffin who found Jillaroo Shenae Ciesiolka in a sweeping run for a pinpoint cut-out pass to Molowia. The Cutters won 28-6

Tries - Martha Molowia 52'

Saturday 29th April, Bishop Park

Devils 30 v Tweed 10

Devils finished their first season on a high. Three minutes into the game, when a slick movement led to the first of six tries in a strong win over the Tweed seagulls. Devils headed in a 30-10 victory that wrapped up their inaugural season in the statewide women’s competition.

Norths finished in fifth position out of eight teams – one place out of the finals – with two wins and a draw from seven matches.

The Devils finished the season knowing they were capable of cracking the finals despite the challenge of starting their team from scratch against seasoned rivals.

“We can look back and pinpoint moments here and there but there is a lot for our players to be proud of from this season,” coach Zac Wallwork said.

“We started from nothing in trying to get a squad together and we showed that we were more than competitive. A foundation has been laid.

“We enjoyed finishing the season at home in front of family, friends and our supporters. It was a good way to end.”

Tries - Hayley Maddick 4', Caity Costello 13', Shenae Ciesiolka 31', Shenae Ciesiolka 34', Jada Ferguson 46', Hayley Maddick 59'