Ugly victory gives Surfers inside track
SURFERS Paradise have landed a psychological blow to title rivals Griffith University Colleges despite being unhappy with their 30-17 victory on the road.
The result confirms the Dolphins’ status as favourites for a third consecutive Gold Coast District Rugby Union premiership – but it didn’t come easily.
The Knights applied significant pressure all game and reduced the margin to 18-17 when winger Pila Fifita crossed, before four Ben Gollings penalty goals saw Surfers home.
“We’re happy with the win but how we played? No,” said Dolphins player-coach Kris Burton, who was forced from the field before halftime.
“We weren’t intense enough at the start, didn’t stick to our structures, were late in contact, a lot of stuff that normally has been working.
“Maybe people were just trying to get through to the semi-finals, that’s all I can put it down to. We got there, but not the way we wanted to.”
Surfers now have a lastround bye before they meet
Colleges in the grand final qualifier in a fortnight – and then potentially again two weeks later in the decider, which would mark their fifth clash this year.
Former Tongan Test representative Fifita said his Knights had been guilty of impatience.
“Our defence was good, it forced Surfers to kick the ball a fair bit … the boys held their ground but we just got a bit too excited,” he said.
Fifita played in Surfers’ 2016 and 2017 titles before returning to Colleges but those friendships were put to the test in a fiery contest that included him being yellowcarded for his part in a scuffle.
“When you’re in the rough of things, you don’t realise who you are hitting until you get up and are like sorry bro, I’ll give you a beer later,” he laughed.
Bond Pirates pipped Palm Beach Currumbin 10-8 in another tight game, while Helensvale beat Coolangatta Tweed 80-12.