In an exhilarating finals clash at Rugby Park, the Central Queensland Capras secured a hard-fought 32-24 victory over the Burleigh Bears, propelling them to the next round of the finals series. Finishing 6th in the regular season, the Capras hosted the 7th place Bears and showcased a dynamic performance that has set up a compelling matchup against the Redcliffe Dolphins Saturday.
The game kicked off with Anthony Milford setting the tone early by scoring just a minute into the match. This early momentum was bolstered by Bob Tenza, who added two tries at critical junctures, one in the first half and another in the second, solidifying his role as a key player for the Capras. Blake Moore and Larson Dale-Doyle also contributed significant tries, keeping the Bears on the back foot throughout the game. Trey Brown’s boot was crucial, converting three of the six tries and a penalty goal that extended their lead.
The Bears mounted a strong comeback in the second half, with tries from Creedence Toia, Sami Sauiluma, Hayden Schwass, Kea Pere, and Troy Leo. However, conversions missed by Guy Hamilton meant they were always chasing the game. Despite the pressure, the Capras held firm and managed the game intelligently, even with Zev John receiving a sin bin in the 79th minute.
This victory not only marks a significant achievement for the Capras but also sets the stage for their next challenge. As the Redcliffe Dolphins fell to the North Devils in their matchup, the Capras will travel to Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe to face the Dolphins Saturday at 2:10 PM. This match promises to be a crucial one, as the Capras look to continue their impressive form and advance further in the finals series.
The anticipation for next weekend’s game is high, and with the Capras’ current form, fans are hopeful for another standout performance that could see their team making a deep run in this year’s finals footy.
