Ref busy as Knights hold off the Gators

COLLEGES remain firmly in the hunt for a home semi-final in Gold Coast District Rugby after snatching a 34-22 victory against Palm Beach Currumbin in bizarre scenes.

The contest involved five yellow cards and two penalty tries – one against Colleges for a deliberate knockdown and another against the Alleygators for repeated offside infringements.

Despite the whistle-laden affair, the Knights managed to stave off the rejuvenated Alleygators.

“We’re going all out to be top two this year. That’s our goal for sure,” Knights coach Graham Herlihy said.

“And I believe once we get all our players back in the side, we have got the team that could challenge Surfers. We’re narrowing the gap.”

Over at Albert Park, Helensvale pushed Surfers Paradise hard but could not topple the unbeaten defending premiers, eventually falling 32-19.

Speedy recruit Nicolas Pavlovski scored three tries for the home side.

Dolphins captain-coach Kris Burton said his players had relished a second straight tight match.

“The guys like playing against the tougher teams because it is a game for the whole game,” Burton said.

After the two sides’ last encounter ended in a brawl, Burton was pleased to report the rematch was held in good spirits.

Gold Coast Eagles defeated Coomera 36-0 while Bond Pirates’ match against Coolangatta Tweed was postponed due to a weather-enforced ground closure.