UPSET CHANCES GO BEGGING AS INJURIES CRUEL HOPES
COLLEGES coach Graham Herlihy is sure there was “an upset in the making” until a string of serious injuries derailed their effort in a 48-22 loss to title favourites Surfers Paradise.
The Knights made use of a glut of possession to lead the major semi-final 17-16 before being hamstrung by seasonending injuries to flanker Connor Pritchard (broken jaw), hooker Caleb Kingi (dislocated elbow) and centre Matt Blair (shoulder AC joint).
They were then further stretched for numbers when a scuffle erupted in the lineout, resulting in Knights prop Josh Wood and Surfers winger Diaz Sharrock being red carded.
From there, Herlihy conceded the powerful Dolphins ran away with the contest.
Nonetheless he was pleased to see his forward pack hold their own to push the Dolphins, who are now 80 minutes away from completing a second straight unbeaten premiership season.
“I tell you what, we had them a little bit worried in that first half,” Herlihy said.
Surfers player-coach Tonga Lea’aetoa said the result – which puts them through to the decider – was a byproduct of hanging in.
“There was no panic stations there,” he said. “I’m pretty happy with (the performance).”
Colleges’ depth will now be tested against perennial rivals Helensvale in the preliminary final, after the Hogs knocked out Bond Pirates 20-17 in an elimination final thriller yesterday.