The Central Queensland Capras returned to the winners list with a 22-12 victory over the Tweed Seagulls at Aurizon Stadium in Round 7 of the BMD Premiership, setting up the result with a blistering first-half start before withstanding a determined second-half fightback.
The Capras made an immediate impact through Tahnee-lea Holt, who crossed in just the second minute to open the scoring. Delaney Claridge added the conversion before Central Queensland capitalised on its early opportunities with further tries to Ihndara McLeod and Sarah Field as the home side took control of the contest.
Mariah Denman converted the tries by McLeod and Field as the Capras raced to an 18-0 advantage after just 21 minutes, leaving Tweed with plenty of work to do.
The Seagulls found a response late in the opening half when Alyssa Davis crossed in the 35th minute, but a missed conversion ensured Central Queensland carried an 18-4 lead into the break.
The Capras struck first after half-time when Maycee Brown crossed in the 47th minute to extend the lead to 22-4 and maintain control of the contest, despite the conversion attempt drifting wide.
Tweed refused to let the match slip away. Bonnii Porter reduced the margin midway through the second half before Davis grabbed her second try in the 63rd minute to bring the visitors within 10 points.
Both conversion attempts sailed wide, however, leaving the Seagulls needing two converted tries in the closing minutes. Central Queensland held Tweed scoreless for the remainder of the contest to secure an important home victory.
The Capras’ fast start ultimately proved the difference. While Tweed crossed for three tries to Central Queensland’s four, the home side made the most of its early opportunities and was more accurate from the kicking tee, landing three conversions while the Seagulls were unable to convert any of their tries.
Holt, McLeod, Field and Brown all crossed for the Capras, while Denman kicked two conversions and Claridge added another. Davis scored twice for the Seagulls, with Porter claiming the visitors’ other try.
The victory gives Central Queensland another valuable two competition points, with its dominant opening 20 minutes laying the foundation for a deserved 22-12 win.
