Devils unleash eight tries in Cup win over Capras
Norths regained their offensive spark with eight tries in last night’s 38-8 Hostplus Cup win against CQ Capras at Bishop Park.
Centre Jordan Lipp scored three of those tries and winger Manase Kaho claimed two as the Devils surged towards the top of the ladder after five rounds.
This was never going to be an easy clash against a Capras team that arrived at Bishop Park in first place.
The Devils lost twice to the Capras last season including a 34-0 result at Bishop Park almost a year ago to the day.
This time, coach Dave Elliott’s Devils team knew they could rely on a defensive wall that has yielded the fewest points per game in the Hostplus Cup this season. The Capras were restricted to only one try last night until former Origin back Edrick Lee stole an intercept to score in the final minute.
But Norths’ offensive cohesion was a focus of a team whose two losses this season featured spluttering moments of attack against Redcliffe and Wynnum Manly. The Devils have been developing combinations with 15 club debutants across the first four games.
The Devils burst out of the blocks last night when Lipp crossed in the left corner from a sharp pass from backrower James Flack in the fifth minute.
Lipp had another try 10 minutes later when he finished off a 60-metre movement sparked by captain Kierran Moseley splitting the Capras from dummy half, finding fullback Julian Christian and then Lipp.
When Lipp glided 85 metres to score from an intercept and Kaho followed with a one-handed pluck of a pinpoint Gerome Burns’ kick to score in the right corner, the Devils had six first-half tries and a comfortable 28-4 lead.
The second half produced fewer points but some impressive moments including Moseley’s well-timed pass for Flack to dive over and Burns’ solo act when he showed the ball twice, dummied and sprinted 55 metres to score.
While the offensive moments piled up, this was another Devils’ win built on defence.
The team has conceded an average of 14 points per game this season and the Capras were not given many opportunities through defensive pressure and their attacking errors.
The Devils’ forward pack worked hard in defence including strong efforts from starting props Tuki Simpkins and Sam Elliott, playing just a few days after wife Emily gave birth to son Beau.
Dolphins’ NRL backrow trio Mason Teague, Jeremiah Simbiken and Oryn Keeley continue to play with heart and skill for the Devils on both sides of the ball.
Simbiken was again rewarded for his enthusiasm when he surged 30 metres off a perfect pass from Burns to cross in the 24th minute as the Devils scored three times in eight minutes.
Prop Eddie Blacker made his presence felt from the bench after missing the previous match while Campbell Duffy and utility Hayden Rowbotham were busy.
The Devils’ backs were strong in attack and defence, holding out a Capras backline featuring Dolphins NRL squad members Lee and Robert Jennings.
Left winger Blake Paskins twice threatened to score late while Jacob Gagan was again solid and halfback Jack Wright organised well.
“It’s a long season and we’re looking to improve with each game and there were pleasing moments out there against a Capras team that is always tough to beat,” coach Elliott said.
“We’ve got another test next week in Cairns against the Northern Pride so we need to continue to work hard.”
Earlier in the day, the Devils’ Mal Meninga Cup Under 19 team scored seven tries to two to defeat the Capras 38-6. That gave the Devils a clean sweep of three matches against the Capras with the BMD Premiership clash also going to the home team.
NORTHS DEVILS 38 (Jordan Lipp 3, Manase Kaho 2, Jeremiah Simbiken, James Flack, Gerome Burns tries, Burns 3 goals) bt CQ CAPRAS 8 (Robert Jennings, Edrick Lee tries) at Bishop Park.