#CowboyDavid
07-08-2005, 10:11 AM
http://qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=779
Great Scott! Young Guns now in drivers seat
http://qrl.com.au/images_lib/ScottMatthew.jpg
THE animals went in two by two as North Queensland trampled Central 52-10 at Browne Park on Saturday, giving the Young Guns a leg-up for the minor premiership.
A total of four North Queensland players collected two-try hauls, including prop Matt Scott (pictured), who performed outstandingly in his return from NRL duties.
After four previous campaigns in the finals outhouse, it could now be straight to the penthouse for the Thuringowa-based team, with a win over Toowoomba in a fortnight guaranteeing a first-placed finish.
Burleigh and Norths can still steal top spot, but will have to rely on winning two games each and the Young Guns then losing to the Clydesdales.
In all likelihood, the honour of finishing first and getting the easiest run through the finals will not be decided until the last round of the season – perhaps even the last game.
It is no coincidence that the Young Guns’ rise to prominence has come with a marked improvement in the club’s defensive record. Compared to almost 26 points conceded per game in 2004, this season that figure is just over 18 points per game.
“We were prepared to muscle up in defence,” coach Grant Bell said of the win against the Comets.
“If you have a look at when Central scored their tries, one was five minutes before halftime and the other was 10 minutes from fulltime.”
Central has a history of ambushing the Young Guns and there was once more defiance in the latest showing against its sister-club.
Forced to play prop in the absence of more suitable and durable candidates, Mick Esdale gave away 20cm to some opponents, but wasn’t afraid to rip and tear his way through the middle.
“For a little prop he goes well,” praised Bell
“He competed in everything he did.”
Bell said that aside from Scott, North Queensland’s best were Micheal Luck, Clint Amos and David Myles.
The Young Guns have the bye next week before the crucial clash with Toowoomba at Dairy Farmers Stadium on August 20. Central hosts Ipswich in Rockhampton next Saturday.
NORTH QUEENSLAND 52 (Brent McConnell 2, Matt Scott 2, David Myles 2, Jacob Lillyman 2, Jason Barsley, Gavin Cooper tries; Neil Sweeney 6 goals) beat CENTRAL 10 (Aoterangi Herangi, Adam Geddes tries; Herewini Rangi goal).
Great Scott! Young Guns now in drivers seat
http://qrl.com.au/images_lib/ScottMatthew.jpg
THE animals went in two by two as North Queensland trampled Central 52-10 at Browne Park on Saturday, giving the Young Guns a leg-up for the minor premiership.
A total of four North Queensland players collected two-try hauls, including prop Matt Scott (pictured), who performed outstandingly in his return from NRL duties.
After four previous campaigns in the finals outhouse, it could now be straight to the penthouse for the Thuringowa-based team, with a win over Toowoomba in a fortnight guaranteeing a first-placed finish.
Burleigh and Norths can still steal top spot, but will have to rely on winning two games each and the Young Guns then losing to the Clydesdales.
In all likelihood, the honour of finishing first and getting the easiest run through the finals will not be decided until the last round of the season – perhaps even the last game.
It is no coincidence that the Young Guns’ rise to prominence has come with a marked improvement in the club’s defensive record. Compared to almost 26 points conceded per game in 2004, this season that figure is just over 18 points per game.
“We were prepared to muscle up in defence,” coach Grant Bell said of the win against the Comets.
“If you have a look at when Central scored their tries, one was five minutes before halftime and the other was 10 minutes from fulltime.”
Central has a history of ambushing the Young Guns and there was once more defiance in the latest showing against its sister-club.
Forced to play prop in the absence of more suitable and durable candidates, Mick Esdale gave away 20cm to some opponents, but wasn’t afraid to rip and tear his way through the middle.
“For a little prop he goes well,” praised Bell
“He competed in everything he did.”
Bell said that aside from Scott, North Queensland’s best were Micheal Luck, Clint Amos and David Myles.
The Young Guns have the bye next week before the crucial clash with Toowoomba at Dairy Farmers Stadium on August 20. Central hosts Ipswich in Rockhampton next Saturday.
NORTH QUEENSLAND 52 (Brent McConnell 2, Matt Scott 2, David Myles 2, Jacob Lillyman 2, Jason Barsley, Gavin Cooper tries; Neil Sweeney 6 goals) beat CENTRAL 10 (Aoterangi Herangi, Adam Geddes tries; Herewini Rangi goal).