Iggy Park powers on with self belief

IGNATIUS Park is through to the semi- finals of the Confraternity Shield following a come- from- behind 20- 18 win over defending champions Rockhampton Grammar in Charters Towers yesterday.

Iggy Park kicked off their day with a 34- 0 win over St Edmund’s College Ipswich to finish top of their pool and set up a quarter- final clash with Rockhampton, who beat them in last year’s grand final.

The Townsville side blew the game open in the first minute when they scored from the kick- off, but Rockhampton soon hit back as they took an 18- 10 lead into halftime.

Iggy Park had already shown they could finish strong to win their opening pool game and two late tries against Rockhampton were enough to seal another thrilling victory.

“Rocky Grammar are a really physical football team, but the boys just had this steely resolve,” said Iggy Park coach Steve Lansley.

“Cameron Bateup, our skipper, led the way.

“In games like that you just need leaders to stand up and say we’re going to win this no matter what.

“It was one of those games where you just find a way to win.”

Teams have a day off today before Iggy Park comes up against St Mary’s Toowoomba in the semi- finals tomorrow afternoon.

Lansley expected another tough contest, but he felt his side had proved they have what it takes to win.

“We may not be full of stars this year at Iggy Park, but the boys just have a determination to win this thing and they’ve done a good job so far,” he said.

“You know you’re a good team when you can come from behind and win footy games. It’s just self belief, there’s no panic.”