WYNNUM-MANLY tested the table-toppers, going down narrowly 38-30 against the Sunshine Coast in Round 10 of the Queensland Cup.
A windy Saturday afternoon at Sunshine Coast Stadium opened with the women’s BMD trial, where the Seagulls overran the Falcons 32-0.
With both Hostplus Cup sides refreshed after a bye, Wynnum-Manly arrived ready to snap the Falcons’ seven-game winning streak.
The Seagulls struck first, with winger Garry Tuilekutu breaking the line before lock Jamie Hill crossed in the fourth minute.
The Falcons responded, clawing back with three tries of their own.
Wynnum-Manly’s defence then held firm on their own line, resiliently shutting down back-to-back attempts to score.
Late momentum swung the Seagulls’ way, with Alex Lobb scoring out wide seconds before the whistle, reducing the deficit to 20-10 at half-time.
Hungry to topple the in-form Falcons, centre Jordan Swann crashed over in the 46th minute to score his second career try.
Captain Bayley Sironen followed suit, scoring in the 50th minute.
Alex Lobb’s reliable boot added the extras, levelling the scores at 20-20.
Swann struck again, completing the double and edging the Seagulls ahead in the 55th minute.
The Falcons fired back with three quick tries and a late penalty goal to stretch the margin 38-24.
Wynnum-Manly scored late, with a determined Temple Kalepo crossing over in the 79th minute.
Another Lobb conversion sealed the score at 38-30, with the Seagulls’ spirited campaign coming up just short against the Falcons.
The match marked fullback Ben Farr’s 50th QRL appearance, with the Seagulls’ second-half surge underlining their ability against the competition’s top sides.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a full day of BRL at Kougari Oval, with A Grade narrowly losing to a tough Dolphins outfit.
The Hostplus Cup returns home next Saturday, with Wynnum-Manly hosting the Central Queensland Capras.
