‘Half’ baked plan not what CQ had in mind
WONDERS never cease in the Intrust Super Cup where perceived weaknesses are actually strengths and cellar dwellers mix it with the competition’s top dogs.
On a day where last-placed Mackay drew with ladder leaders Redcliffe, CQ Capras coach Kim Williams was still shaking his head after his side’s comprehensive loss to the Northern Pride on Saturday.
The last time the two teams met in round seven the Capras were too good, prevailing 15-8 in Emerald with the Pride’s superstar halves combination of Todd Carney and Jake Clifford having little impact. So, it only made sense this week to attack the home team’s fledgling understudies in Jordan Biondi-Odo and seventh-gamer Jack Campagnolo.
“We thought if we could put pressure on their halves we might have gotten a result out there today,” Williams said. “(I felt) there was an opportunity there.”
The Capras plan failed spectacularly with Campagnolo racking up 14 points in just his fourth match of the season, as the Pride’s forwards gave him plenty of time and opportunity.
What’s more, the Tully junior’s partner-in-crime was at his enterprising best throughout the match, with BiondiOdo picking up a try and playing a hand in a couple more to guide the Pride to a rousing 38-10 victory.
“We weren’t dominant enough in our tackles and they were getting quick play of the ball,” Williams said. “Some of our defenders were a little bit passive … and didn’t work hard enough off the line. It was something we practised during the week.”
With David Taylor ruled out on Friday with a calf injury, the Pride’s Cowboys contingent ran rampant as Ethan Lowe and Gideon Gela-Mosby crossed the line early before Chanel Seigafo scored for the Capras in the 20th minute.
But there was little joy from there with former skipper Brett Anderson bursting through and Tom Hancock scoring in his return from a hamstring injury to put the game out of reach before halftime. The only downside for the Pride was a dislocated shoulder to skipper Ryan Ghietti and a knock to the quad for Campagnolo.
“Ryan’s had an ongoing shoulder problem for the last six months,” Williams said. “It popped out and in and he was sweet to go back on but (utility) Connor Jones had only played seven minutes last week. I think he played about 50 minutes which was good.”
The Pride hit the road this weekend. They take on Mackay this Saturday before playing Redcliffe at home.
WE THOUGHT IF WE COULD PUT PRESSURE ON THEIR HALVES WE MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN A RESULT OUT THERE TODAY