By William Crutcher
Norths combined familiar faces with new energy as they ignited the second half of their Hostplus Cup season with a polished win over Tweed Seagulls at Premiers’ Park on Sunday.
Jack Ahearn’s try in the third minute gave the Devils a lead they didn’t relinquish. The margin was extended by rookie Savaan Tahere’s dummy-half blast in the second half as the Devils gained a valuable 26-16 win.
Earlier at Premiers’ Park, the Devils’ BMD Premiership team lost a tight clash with powerhouse Burleigh Bears. The 12-10 result, including a scoreless second half, followed the Devils’ stirring win over reigning premiers Brisbane Tigers in last weekend’s opening round.
Hostplus Cup coach Rohan Smith said his players began well against Tweed and returned solid efforts across the field, scoring five tries to three.
“The intent was there early in the match and we were able to come out and beat a good team in Tweed,” Smith said.
“There weren’t many areas where you could say the game was won. We competed well in most areas of our game.”
The Devils scored in their first set with the ball. Ahearn, returning from injury, took two hit ups before James Flack and George Fai added to the metres. The ball went back to Ahearn on the last tackle for a dummy and a try.
Eight minutes later the Devils extended their lead as Ahearn’s ball to Jack Miers for a quick pass to Jacob Gagan created a try. All three players were in the Devils 2021 premiership-winning squad.
Tweed crossed through a charging Bodhi Sharpley in the 23rd minute the Devils responded when Brody Tamarua, who was denied a try in the 20th minute, finished a 45-metre movement. Miers’ pass had provided space for winger Zak Taibi whose perfect kick towards the posts sat in the in-goal for Tamarua and fullback Matthew Milson to decide who touched down for the try.
The Devils were steady in the second half, maintaining their defensive intensity.
Tahere scored his first Hostplus Cup try in the 53rd minute before Tony Tumusa touched down Kalolo Sautaia’s deft kick in the 69th minute.
In between those tries, Tweed NRL hooker Sam Verrils’ scored before the final try went to the Seagulls with four minutes remaining.
The Devils welcomed back Sebastian Su’a for the first time this season. The forward made a good impact from the bench alongside Ben Nakubuwai and rookie Tahrell Feaveai.
The Devils host Wynnum-Manly Seagulls on Sunday afternoon at Premiers’ Park in BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup matches.
Wynnum-Manly has played only one match in the BMD Premiership after its second-round match was moved following recent rain.
The Devils have been solid under coach Meg Ward, taking on two heavyweight teams in the opening weeks. Norths and Burleigh were unable to score in the second half last Sunday in a game that went from end to end.
The Devils had taken an early lead through Natahlia Moors’ try before the Bears hit back, setting up a tight second half.
HOSTPLUS CUP: NORTHS DEVILS 26 (Jack Ahearn, Jacob Gagan, Brody Tamarua, Savaan Tahere, Tony Tumusa tries, Jack Miers 3 goals) bt TWEED SEAGULLS 16 (Bodhi Sharpley, Sam Verrills, Kalani Skipps tries, Lindon McGrady 2 goals) at Premiers’ Park.
BMD PREMIERSHIP: BURLEIGH BEARS 12 (Chelsea Cooper, Nivea Te Hokowhitu-Wynne tries, Zara Canfield 2 goals) bt NORTHS DEVILS 10 (Natahlia Moors, Tianah Teo tries, Tayla Sykes goal) at Premiers’ Park.
Photo by Alan Drinnen
