Melbourne Storm’s feeder teams battled away in tight affairs this weekend, with all three clashes going down to the wire across the HostPlus Cup and Knock On Effect NSW Cup.
It was a special victory for the Sunshine Coast Falcons on the weekend, bringing the James Ackerman Cup back to the Sunshine Coast after their 28-20 win over Redcliffe Dolphins.
Both teams battled torrential weather for the 8th annual clash, played in memory of Sunshine Coast Falcons front rower, James Ackerman, who tragically passed away during a game in 2015.
Ammaron Gudgeon, Young Tonumaipea and Jack Howarth lined up in the Falcons backline, with all three provided plenty of punch in their carries as they ran for over 130 metres.
Howarth also registered a try assist, five tackle breaks and 14 tackles while his fellow centre Young Tonumaipea had a try assist, two tackle breaks and an offload.
Match: Falcons v Dolphins
Round 12 -
home Team
Falcons
5th Position
away Team
Dolphins
6th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Despite working hard across the 80-minutes, the Brisbane Tigers went down 20-10 to the Townsville Blackhawks in their Round 12 fixture.
Kane Bradley produced a solid shift in the backrow, running for 141 metres and making 36 tackles while Storm Academy product Coby Williamson ran for 154 metres and scored a try.
Match: Blackhawks v Tigers
Round 12 -
home Team
Blackhawks
11th Position
away Team
Tigers
7th Position
Venue: Jack Manski Oval, Townsville
Meanwhile in the Knock On Effect NSW Cup, the Bears strong start to the season continued, recording a 28-22 win over the Blacktown Sea Eagles, with Bronson Garlick and Dean Ieremia amongst the tryscorers.
Garlick produced a strong performance in the middle, registering 36 tackles, 136 run metres and two tackle breaks in a 80-minute shift.
NSW Cup Highlights | Sea Eagles v Bears - Round 13
Ieremia also proved a handful, having 156 run metres, one linebreak and three tackle breaks to go with his four-pointer.
Match: Sea Eagles v Bears
Round 13 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
9th Position
away Team
Bears
2nd Position
Venue: HE Laybutt Field, Sydney
The Bears will now face the Penrith Panthers next Sunday at BlueBet Stadium while the Brisbane Tigers will take on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons will enjoy the bye before taking on the PNG Hunters in a fortnight’s time.
Photo credit: Nicola Anne Photography
