Disappointed Colts beaten by Cutters
A SLOW start has cost the Northern Pride’s Colts, slipping to third place following their 21-20 road loss to Mackay at the weekend.
A late plane meant the Pride arrived at BB Print stadium less than an hour before the match and it showed, with the visitors conceding two tries in the first 15 minutes.
Coach Dave Scott said the lacklustre start, coupled with some uncharacteristic errors put the Pride on the back foot.
“Mackay lifted for us but they’ve been consistently competitive all season,” he said.
“The first 25 minutes was the most disappointing of the year though. It felt like we sat on the plane. Mackay had a good performance the week before.
“We made some silly mistakes and didn’t get the position on wanted.”
Another outstanding performance from second rower Terrence Casey-Douglas kept the Pride from being blown away in an otherwise lopsided first half.
“It’s just about him getting more games under his belt,” Scott said.
“It’s a reflection on how he trains. I pointed it out to the boys afterwards. It was a lack the field that we of intensity that cost us.”
The loss puts Norths Devils half a game ahead on the ladder with two matches to play before finals, including Redcliffe at home next weekend.
“It’s a poor result because second-place would have been in our hands then,” Scott said.
“Finishing in the top two is a massive advantage because you’re potentially one game away from the grand final.
“Redcliffe loss to a very good Townsville side and they’ll be tough. I’ve seen a lot of their games. They’ve got a very good halfback and are very physical. They’ll be up for it. They’re fighting for a spot in the top six as well.”
Prop Werimu Greig is likely to come under scrutiny for a lifting tackle during the match.
“We’ll find out this week if he’s been charged,” Scott said.
“We need attitude adjustment this week.” Saturday 1.10pm: Easts v Souths-Logan (Langlands Park) 3pm: Ipswich v Tweed Heads (North Ipswich Reserve) 4.15pm: Burleigh v Townsville (Pizzey Park) 6pm: Mackay v Norths (BB Print Stadium) 6pm: CQ Capras v Sunshine Coast (Marley Brown Oval) 7pm: Northern Pride v Redcliffe (Barlow Park) Sunday 3pm: PNG Hunters v WynnumManly (Port Moresby)