Energised Tigers whip the Redbacks
THE Southport Tigers have roared back to life in the Rugby League Gold Coast A Grade competition with their first win of the season.
The Tigers entered last week’s bye round licking their wounds after a surprise thrashing at the hands of Burleigh in a 2019 grand final rematch.
They have emerged energised and refreshed, taking down Mudgeeraba Redbacks in a seven-tries-to-three belting.
The Tigers’ 38-10 win was far from assured after Mudgeeraba shocked heavyweight
Tugun last week.
A double to Lee Turner was complemented by tries to Curtis Dansey-Smaller, Callum Burgess-Boomer, Liam Hampson, Benjamin Thomas and Lamar Manuel-Liolevave.
Callum Burgess-Boomer knocked over five goals for a 10-point individual haul.
Opposition coaches predicted the Tigers’ strength would grow as they built combinations in a shortened season.
Saturday’s win was proof Southport cannot be forgotten in the race to the finish line.
In the battle for the south, Tugun edged Currumbin Eagles 14-12 in a thrilling match of the round at the Seahawks’ nest.
Tugun was trailing 12-8 in the final minute when Titans prop Solomon Torrens burst through the Currumbin line to score a try next to the posts following a period of sustained pressure.
Halfback Jacob Grant’s first goal of the day carried the Seahawks into the lead, 14-12.
Father Time himself Robbie Apanui crossed for another try in Tugun colours, while centre Tim Cassidy also got over the line for the Seahawks.
In the final game of the weekend, Burleigh overpowered Ormeau 48-36 in a highscoring clash in front of the Shearers’ new clubhouse.
Former Bear Conner Toia scored two tries for the Shearers in his first match since steering Burleigh to the 2019 title from the halves. Teen winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed for two tries.