Encouraging Signs for Devils in Final Trial
– Written By Devils Intern: Joseph Maranta
The Devils have completed their pre-season matches with a win over the same team they will face in next weekend’s season-opener.
Last weekend’s 32-18 win over Redcliffe Dolphins at Bishop Park included promising moments for coach Rohan Smith’s team, which had lost to Sunshine Coast Falcons eight days earlier.
The Devils and the Dolphins meet again on Sunday 9 March at Bishop Park in a grand-final rematch set to ignite the new Hostplus Cup season.
Last Sunday, the Devils fielded more of their experienced players in an important step towards the start of their premiership defence against a Dolphins team under the direction of new coach Eric Smith.
The home team was under the pump early after the Dolphins scored first through a crash play.
Premiership prop George Fai caused an error through a strong tackle which flipped momentum for the Devils. Soon after, fullback Matthew Milson ran 20 metres untouched for the Devils’ first try.
The next try was courtesy of ex-Redcliffe player Lachlan Lewis who took the ball eight metres from the tryline. ‘Big Red’ carried three defenders over the line for his try.
Keeping the scoreboard ticking over, Jordan Lipp executed a stellar cut-out pass to fan favourite Manase Kaho, extending the lead to 12 at halftime.
Opening the second half with flair, centre Jarred Chambers pounced on a Dolphins mistake on the Devils’ 40m line. Chambers dribbled the ball with his feet for 20 metres, before regathering and running the rest of the field for the opening points of the second half.
Returning serve after the Dolphins crossed for their second try, forward Nathan Brown scored by diving on a deft grubber from Lipp.
Following a penalty which saw the Devils resuming play on their 30m line, prop Wyatt Reynolds isolated a Dolphins defender, stepping sharply in a 30-metre run. Soon after, a sharp pass from emerging utility Laulato Salei sent James Flack over for another four-pointer.
Two late tries from the Dolphins bridged the margin.
Kick-off is set for 2:10PM at Bishop Park in what promises to be a spectacular season opener.
