Easts Tigers announced themselves as contenders with a rousing win over the top of the table Townsville Blackhawks on Sunday.
The 29-20 triumph moved Easts into second place on the Intrust Super Cup ladder.
Two tries to Billy Walters in the opening 20 minutes set the home side on their way before the sin binning of Dean Britt saw the Blackhawks even the scores at 10-apiece at half-time.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Panthers on Saturday 4 June, 7:30pm.
Emerging from the break with a full strength 13, Easts again began to assert themselves on the contest.
Lead by Matt White, Christian Welch and Francis Tualau, the powerful Tigers pack proved the difference.
Dean Britt emerged in the second half to put in a best afield performance, scoring a crucial try in the 67th minute to put his side back in front.
“I though Dean Britt had his best game for the Club,” Easts coach Scott Sipple said.
“He had a mission to stop the opposition halfback and he did a great job on him… forcing him to do a lot of unforced errors.
“The intimidation factor was there, he listened, knew his role for the team and was buying in. It’s one thing having a plan but executing too, getting under their skin, helped us out a great deal.”
A Christian Welch try on 70 minutes followed by a Brodie Croft field goal soon after sealed a memorable win for Easts who defeated the Blackhawks for the first time in their history.
Easts Tigers 29
Tries: Billy Walters 2, Dane Chang, Dean Britt, Christian Welch
Goals: Billy Walters 3
Field Goals: Brodie Croft
Townsville Blackhawks 20
Tries: Delouise Hoeter 2, Jonathon Reuben, Moses Pangai
Goals: Kyle Laybutt
