BULLS CHARGE PAST GATORS FOR HISTORIC VICTORY
NERANG has come from behind to stun Palm Beach Currumbin in the 80th minute of a Round 4 clash that will go down as the game of the 2021 season.
Two lead changes inside the final three minutes created a heart-stopping finish with the Bulls forwards pounding at the line to open a sliver of space for centre Kerehama Beattie to crash through for the matchwinner for a 32-29 win.
Saturday was the first confirmed Nerang win over Palm Beach in first grade in 3920 days, when the Bulls similarly came from behind to win 33-32 in the 2010 semi-finals.
There were six lead changes in the second half alone on Saturday as momentum swung and rolled throughout the clash between two of the Gold Coast’s most imposing forward packs.
The biggest lead of the match fell to Nerang midway through the first half with a try to scrumhalf Bryson Rukuwai and a pair of goals to Josh Whitley to lead 10-0.
Palm Beach responded through Hala Masila to enter the break behind 10-7 and took the lead early in the second half through fullback Ethan Lolesio, 14-10, and the race to finish line began in earnest.
Each score summoned another in response until Gators winger Sai Bakata’s 77th-minute try set up the grandstand finish, his side ahead 29-25 on home soil.
The belief from Nerang’s players shone through as the forwards went to work, working tirelessly to punch open the space for Beattie’s extra time game-winner.
In other fixtures, Surfers Paradise has one hand on the Barry Moon Cup after dismantling rivals Gold Coast Eagles 44-10 on Ladies Day.
Star playmaker Indiha Saotui-Huta scored a double while damaging back-rowers Jordan Marshall and James Brown also crossed the line.
Winger Joseph Bax scored the Eagles’ first try of the season but his side but must now outscore Surfers by 35 points in Round 11 if it hopes to win back “Barry” for the first time since 2014.
Helensvale Hogs captain Scott Stokes scored 25 points in a 70-0 drubbing of Bond Pirates, with a try and a perfect 10/10 conversions.
He was joined by winger Elijah Hola who notched a double in his first start.
Undefeated Griffith Uni Colleges Knights missed captain Jaye Paton but still outscored Coomera 34-7.