The Hostplus Cup Seagulls’ three-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday afternoon, falling 36-16 to the Norths Devils at Premiers’ Park in Round 14.
The Wynnum-Manly and Norths rivalry runs deep, with the sides trading blows in the 2021 Grand Final and last season’s Preliminary Final, both won by the Devils. The Seagulls added another chapter in Round 9 this year, grinding out a 16-14 victory over Norths.
Wynnum-Manly made the perfect start, marching downfield after a penalty inside the opening minute. Five-eighth Cassius Cowley capitalised, using his speed to slice through the Devils’ left-edge defence and open the scoring. Alex Lobb added the extras to give the Seagulls a 6-0 lead.
The home side responded quickly, crossing for three first-half tries.
The Seagulls finally found their breakthrough in the 27th minute. Halfback Ryley Jacks launched a pinpoint cross-field kick, with Alex Lobb rising above the defence and showing strong hands to score. Lobb converted his own try to level the contest.
Norths finished the opening half strongly, crossing twice in quick succession to take a 24-12 advantage into the sheds.
They continued to press after the interval, adding two more converted tries to extend their lead to 24 points.
The Seagulls competed until the final whistle, determined not to let the Devils run away with the win, with Bayley Sironen producing a late individual effort to score in the closing stages.
While the result didn’t fall their way, Wynnum-Manly stayed in the contest throughout the afternoon before going down 36-16.
The result leaves the Seagulls sitting eighth on the ladder ahead of next Sunday’s clash with the Redcliffe Dolphins at Kayo Stadium.
In other weekend results, the BMD Premiership side fell 28-18 to the Devils in Round 3, with the Seagulls women looking to bounce back next week against the Northern Pride in Cairns.
Back at Kougari Oval, Wynnum-Manly’s BRL A Grade side held its strong form with a 40-22 victory over Logan Pride.
