The Sunshine Coast Falcons came up just short in an emotional local derby against Redcliffe Dolphins, going down 16-12 on Saturday night.
Both sides played for the James Ackerman Cup in memory of the former Falcons and Dolphins player who passed away last year.
In a touching gesture, a plaque was unveiled out the front of Sunshine Coast Stadium in honour of Ackerman.
On the field players from each side played with great spirit as the Dolphins controlled the football for much of the contest.
The Falcons trailed for most of the day but were resilient to hang in the contest.
Tony Tumusa scored the Falcons first try of the day on 20 minutes and was unlucky not to have another in the second half after making an 80 metre break.
Mark Nicholls was solid again in his return from injury while Joe Stimson proved the standout performer.
“He just seems to be improving every week, his work rate is great for us,” Falcons CEO Chris Flannery said.
“He is playing 80 minutes every week and doing a lot of work in the back row and taking plenty of hit-ups.
“I thought our three Storm guys were our best players on the night.”
Sunshine Coast will travel to Rockhampton this weekend to take on the CQ Capras.
Sunshine Coast Falcons 12
Tries: Tony Tumusa, Eddie Tautali, Rowan Klein
Goals: Nil
Defeated by.
Redcliffe Dolphins 16
Tries: Zach Strasser, Aaron Whitchurch
Goals: Darren Nicholls 4
