It has been a case of so close but yet too far for the embattled Mackay Cutters rugby league team in this year’s Hostplus Cup competition.
Languishing near the bottom of the table, the Cutters have produced some courageous performances in recent weeks – only to be overpowered in the dying moments.
Tweed Heads Seagulls found a way to snatch two competition points over the Mackay combination last Saturday night at BB Print Stadium when they posted a hard fought 32-28 triumph.
Ace half back Brandon Finnegan gave the Cutters a deserved 28-26 edge over the sixth placed Seagulls when he dashed over for his second try of the match and converted with seven minutes left on the clock.
Shortly after the Seagulls regained the lead when winger Kaleb Ngamanu crossed out wide with half back Toby Sexton also potting a last-minute penalty goal to secure victory.
It was another heart-breaking loss for Michael Comerford’s brave warriors who have been competitive in most of their fixtures this season.
Finnegan opened the scoring with a converted try after three minutes before the Seagulls hit back with snap tries by winger Ryland Jacobs and centres Jojo Fifita and Lee Turner to open up a 16-6 lead.
In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Tweed Heads lock Jaron Purcell gave the visitors a 22-12 lead with a converted try before Mackay prop Garrett Smith crashed over to score and keep his side in the hunt.
The local crowd cheered wildly when Finnegan skirted the defence to nab a vital try and conversion and give the Cutters a narrow lead.
EARLIER the Seagulls recorded a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Cutters in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts fixture.
The Seagulls led 21-16 before Cutters winger Mackenzie Novosel crossed for a last minute try - with five eighth Henri Stocks missing a potential match-winning conversion.
Photo credit: Marty Strecker
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