Hog heaven in sight as premiers just win
HELENSVALE have taken reassurance that this in fact could be their year after pushing unbeaten defending premiers Griffith University Colleges to the brink in a thrilling 24-21 loss.
The Gold Coast District Rugby Union Round 5 match absolutely justified its top-ofthe-table status on Saturday afternoon at Ashmore.
The Hogs opened up a 21-12 lead before Colleges rallied; try-scoring machine Blake Griffin clinched the matchwinner with a spectacular chip-and-chase effort that backed up a similar showing by wing teammate Taniela Tuivanuavou in the first half.
Helensvale defended resolutely, even desperately, to hang in and gave themselves a golden opportunity at the death by charging down a Chris Manby box kick.
“I couldn’t actually believe they got that charge-down because I thought I gave it quite a bit of height but they were onto it quickly,” said 26year-old Manby, who did an excellent job filling in at No.9 for the injured Cam Dodd.
“So we were on the back foot in our 22 for the last five
minutes and it was just defence that got us over the line in the end.”
Helensvale’s hopes were finally crushed in overtime when they bombed a scoring opportunity out wide.
“Both teams definitely came out to play, both did their homework and it came down to a few last passes at the end of it. That’s the way it goes,” Hogs coach Taione Vea said. “It would have been nice to get the win but it was a good reflection on the competition and they deserve to be there.
“Obviously I know they have worked hard on recruitment but Hogs manage to just keep having players that keep coming back to the club, other than Samson Mariner.
“He joined us from Surfers and that was purely based on the fact that he lives in Coomera and needed a club to play with his son and his daughter. Other than that, they are all local boys. They have played juniors there … that’s something we’re really proud of.
“It’s a long season and we’re excited.”
Vea backed his players’ decision to reject a late penalty goal opportunity that would have drawn the game.
“Always go for the win,” he smiled.
Flanker Tyron Jones was a standout for the visitors.
Elsewhere, Surfers Paradise pipped Bond Pirates 16-12, while Nerang kept Gold Coast Eagles winless in a 20-8 scoreline.