Match report presented by George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals
The BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls travelled to Cooktown in Round 19 for QRL’s Country Week.
With the longest distance to travel of any team in the Hostplus Cup this round, the Seagulls faced a tough task to beat the high-flying Northern Pride in their backyard.
Playing out of Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club, the local community showed great support for rugby league on the day as a good crowd came out to watch.
Northern Pride, buoyed by a number of North QLD Cowboys players, opened the scoring through halfback Thomas Duffy in the 8th minute.
The Seagulls hit back in the 16th minute, as debutant Harry Armstrong picked up a loose Pride offload and got himself over the line from close range.
The next 20 minutes remained scoreless as the Seagulls well and truly held their own against the league’s top team, leading the possession count in an end to end period of the game.
Pride scored just before halftime to take a 12-6 lead into the break.
Another period of end to end footy ensued after the break, with the Pride breaking the arm wrestle in the 57th minute.
The game then opened up as the Pride managed to score 4 tries in 16 minutes to seal the match.
There were encouraging signs for the Seagulls as they matched it with the best team in the competition.
Another away trip in Round 20 will see Wynnum Manly travel to Rockhampton to play the Central QLD Capras on Saturday afternoon.