Dolphins dish out a lesson
DEFENDING premiers Redcliffe extended their unbeaten streak to six games after a Tyson Gamble masterclass knocked Ash Taylor’s Tweed Heads out of the finals race.
Gamble was sublime in the Dolphins’ come-from-behind victory, kicking four goals and the matchwinning field goal in front of a hostile Piggabeen crowd.
The Redcliffe five-eighth was elated with his 80th minute pot shot having been twice denied in the dying stages.
At 24-all with nine minutes remaining, Gamble’s conversion attempt caught the wind and faded past the sticks before a 77th minute field goal was overturned after Jamil Hopoate obstructed the rushing Seagulls defence.
Tweed Heads looked to have pulled off a miracle after charging upfield and finding Lindon McGrady deep in the pocket for a potential matchwinner of his own but a desperate Hopoate chargedown saved the day for Redcliffe, handing Gamble a final roll of the dice.
It was a fitting end to a clash defined by individual moments of brilliance.
Taylor was one of Tweed’s best with a goal and two try assists, Ioane Seiuli’s first half double was raw power personified and Talor Waters impressed on the wing while Gamble, Hopoate, Trai Fuller and Jedidiah Simbiken were all outstanding in coach Adam Mogg’s 100th game in charge.
Redcliffe’s comeback win may have taken place 120km from Easts’ own elimination final but that didn’t stop the Tigers from emulating their rivals in a 24-20 upset over Norths at Bishop Park.
A Marion Seve double proved the difference but Solomon Kata’s boot deserves plaudits after banging four from four to sink the Devils.
Norths took a deserved 18-12 lead into half time with Broncos duo Herbie Farnsworth and Sean O’Sullivan pulling the strings.
But it wasn’t to be as Scott Sipple kept his coaching tenure alive for another week.