The BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls faced the Redcliffe Dolphins in XXXX Rivalry on Sunday.
Both teams were at one win and two losses so far this season, and the focus was evident as the players arrived for the 2:10pm kickoff.
Redcliffe have always proved a tough match-up and have been the Seagulls’ opponent in some classic matches witnessed in both Bayside areas.
With the Dolphins feeding into the NZ Warriors in 2022, plenty of NRL talent was on display for the crowd at BMD Kougari Oval.
Before the match began on Seagulls Old Boys Day, a moments silence was taken to remember the Old Boys and officials of rugby league that have gone before us.
The first 15 minutes of the game were fairly uneventful, with both teams vying for field position but neither stamping their authority.
On 18 minutes, Epel Kapinias received a short ball from Luke Bateman and crashed over under the posts to score on his debut for the club.
The big man from Rabaul, Papua New Guniea, was swarmed by his teammates as they showed their appreciation for his efforts.
Kalolo Saitaua scored next as he broke through the line and threw the ball into the crowd. Saitaua has been in great form off the bench to start the season and deserved a try on the day.
The momentum continued to flow in the direction of the Seagulls, and a Matt Lyons double either side of half time put the game almost out of reach for the Dolphins.
Half time score: 18-4 Seagulls.
Lyons was back in the action 7 minutes later as he took a hit-up from his own in-goal area, broke three tackles and ran 60m, before passing to Te Maire Martin in support who scored under the posts in front of a rapturous Chook Pen.
The Dolphins scored a late consolation try through Warriors-contracted Eliesa Katoa to bring the score to 36-14
The Seagulls piled on more pain for the Dolphins in the final 10 minutes as Luke Bateman and Epel Kapinias both scored under the posts to ice an already impressive scoreline.
The Seagulls 1982 and 2012 premiership teams watched on from the Chook Pen and around the ground, and were in a celebratory mood after their reunion luncheon on Friday.
Lyons, in his first Hostplus Cup game of the season, played out of his skin to earn Player’s Player on the day.
Fans also witnessed impressive performances from Harrison Graham, who received the Hastings Deering Man of the Match, Epel Kapinias, Luke Bateman and Kalolo Saitaua.
The ‘Battle of the Bay’ was another big day at BMD Kougari Oval, and the Seagulls went home happy with the two points.
The two sides will face each other again on Saturday 6 August at Redcliffe.
Wynnum Manly’s next match is in two weeks against Souths Logan Magpies on Sunday 24 April.
The Seagulls would like to thank BMD for hosting our Round 4 match at BMD Kougari Oval.