Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

All Conquering Cutters Colts In Tip Top Shape

Mackay Cutters first grade team may be searching for its first victory in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club’s heavy investment in youth is reaping dividends.

After four rounds, the all-conquering Cutters share top spot in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition and shape as an early contender for this year’s title.

The Mackay colts chalked up their third win of the 2023 series after toppling the Burleigh Bears 22-14 in blustery conditions at BB Print Stadium last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten record.

The Bears drew first blood after three minutes when winger Jeremiah Tamepo crossed before Mackay five eighth Henri Stocks and hooker Ethan Roberts posted tries in the space of eight minutes with goalkicker Stocks adding the extras for a 12-4 lead at the break.

Mackay extended their lead after the interval when interchange William Gething crashed over for his team’s third try of the afternoon.

Burleigh responded with tries by second rower Adam Christensen and a second for flyer Tamepo to bridge the gap before the Cutters sealed victory when winger Braydon Dunbar skirted the defence to nab a crucial late try.

Despite the Colts loss, the Bears capped a memorable day with the club clinching an historic seventh BMD Womens premiership and the first grade team roaring to the top of the Hostplus Cup table after trouncing the Cutters 42-6 in the main game.

Burleigh had too many big guns for the Cutters, producing a five-try second half blitz to grab the outright competition lead.

The Cutters matched the visitors for the opening 30 minutes until Bears skipper Sami Sauiluma scored the first of his two tries.

The Bears led 16-6 at the interval but punished the Cutters after the break with their powerful forwards strolling through tackles to lay on tries for Matthew Koellner, Jacob Alick,  Ken Maumalo, Tom Steadman and Sauiluma.

Mackay square off with Redcliffe this Saturday in a curtain raiser to the Dolphins v Melbourne Storm NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium from 5pm.

Mackay Cutters Colts continue to impress. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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