Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Rampaging Cutters Blitz Devils But Woes

Continue For Mackay In Hostplus Cup

Norths Devils rugby league coach Dave Elliott had reason to smile after a successful homecoming to Mackay last weekend in the QRL Hostplus Cup.

It was a pleasant “reunion” for Elliott as he masterminded a thumping 42-16 victory against his out of touch ex-charges who slumped to a sixth successive loss.

The reigning premiers produced a second half points spree as they overpowered the listless Cutters through their powerful and dominant forward pack.

Elliott was Head Coach of Mackay last season, his capable assistant Michael Comerford taking over the Cutters’ coaching reins and enduring a horror start to the 2023 campaign without a win after six rounds.

The Cutters jumped to an early 8-0 lead following neat tries by sharp utility back Flynn Camilleri before Devils hooker Zakaria McGuire fooled the defence to score after 24 minutes.

An Adam Cook penalty goal soon after gave Mackay a 10-6 advantage – but it was shortlived with Norths wingers Tony Tumusa and Jonathon Reuben crossing for converted tries to give the visitors an 18-10 lead at the break.

There was no stopping the Devils after the interval as lock forward Liam Horne, Cook Islands international Moses Noovao-McGreal, prop Viko Puluvea and former Indigenous All Stars hooker Kieran Moseley all nabbed tries within 23 minutes with half back Bryce Donovan potting six goals to establish a resounding victory.

Meanwhile, the Mackay Cutters chalked up their fifth win of the season in the BMD Womens premiership after slamming Norths Devils 28-6 to maintain second spot on the ladder.

The Cutters were in a menacing mood in the first half as they put on a five try blitz to open up a commanding 22-0 lead at the half time break.

Elusive winger Katie Green (2), centre China Polata and halves Alicia Martin and Tahlulah Tillett all grabbed tries with hooker and skipper Emma Manzelmann landing one conversion.

The crafty Manzelmann scored the Cutters lone try of the second half to keep the pressure on premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies, who remain undefeated on 12 points.

Mackay Colts opened their Under 21s campaign with a crushing 50-32 victory over Norths Devils in the curtain raiser.

The young Cutters produced a superb second half display to skittle the Devils with a nine try rout in blustery conditions.

Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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