ROUND 21 of the Hostplus Cup kicked off Old Gulls Day at Kougari Oval on Sunday afternoon.
The day celebrated the 1986 A Grade side, which claimed the Brisbane Rugby League premiership against Brothers under captain-coach Wally Lewis.
Lewis returned to Kougari Oval for the celebrations, making a special appearance as the Seagulls honoured the team and its 40-year legacy.
The BMD Premiership side opened the afternoon with a strong 22-14 win over the Falcons before the Hostplus Cup Seagulls took on the competition’s ladder leaders.
The Falcons came out firing, opening the scoring in the eighth minute before extending their advantage to 10-0 nine minutes later.
Wynnum-Manly responded with determined defensive efforts but struggled to turn their opportunities into points as the visitors continued to control the contest.
Sunshine Coast continued pressing late in the half, crossing again in the 23rd and 38th minutes to take a 22-0 advantage before the break.
Facing a mountain to climb, the Seagulls returned from half-time with renewed energy.
The Falcons were first to score after the break before Wynnum-Manly opened their account in the 57th minute through prop Joshua Coric.
Alex Lobb’s conversion brought the score to 22-6.
The Seagulls clawed back some ground through their wingers with Alex Lobb crossing in the 61st minute before Garry Tuilekutu found the line soon after.
The Falcons hit back with seven minutes remaining, but Wynnum-Manly continued to fight until the final whistle.
Jordan Swann crossed in the 76th minute with Alex Lobb adding the extras.
Despite a spirited second half, the Seagulls were unable to further close the gap on the competition’s top side, going down 36-20.
The Wynnum-Manly Seagulls’ Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership squads will both return to action this Sunday against the Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park in Brisbane.
