BIG BEN LEADS BOND BOYS TO BRUISING SUCCESS
PROP forward Ben Louisson has led Bond Pirates to a critical 12-7 victory against Palm Beach Currumbin to edge ahead in the three-way dash for a top two spot.
“It was a game that they dominated up front. Their forward pack outplayed us,” Alleygators coach Ryan Roberts summed up.
Pirates counterpart Jeff Bloomers said Louisson had played “exceptionally well” all around the paddock to spearhead the pack, with Bradley Plant also among their best.
Both coaches rued missed scoring chances but with the result falling the Pirates’ way – after a scoreless second half – the Miami-based club have reclaimed second place, just ahead of Colleges and Helensvale and with an extra game up their sleeve.
Helping the Pirates’ cause was understrength Helensvale’s come-from-behind 18-13 win over Colleges.
“We asked a lot of questions of Colleges at scrum time and lineout which really gave us the platform to generate go forward,” Hogs coach Mark Dobson said.
Like the Knights have made clear, the Hogs are focused on reining in runaway
leaders Surfers Paradise.
“I still maintain the selfbelief that we are good enough to beat Surfers,” Dodson said.
Surfers Paradise rolled Gold Coast Eagles 46-0. Coomera’s struggles continued, forced to forfeit against Coolangatta Tweed.
Meanwhile in Newcastle, Queensland Country stole an 18-16 victory in the annual contest against NSW Country thanks to a late Paul Tema try.
Heelers coach Rob Johnson said players such as versatile forward Mitch Planten (Palm Beach Currumbin) could push for a place in the Queensland Country team for the National Rugby Championship later this year.
“He was probably close to our player of the tournament,” Johnson said of Planten.