Hornets Nest By Graeme Lawrence
ANY slim hope that the Cudgen Hornets had of sneaking into the Bycroft Cup semi-finals has been dashed by an amazing run to those same semis by the Currumbin Eagles.
The Eagles accounted for the Bilambil Jets on Sunday 34-18, after previously defeating the powerful Burleigh Bears and Tugun Seahawks, not to mention the Cudgen Hornets last weekend.
The Eagles have firmly grabbed fifth spot in the finals with one competitiuon match to play.
The Hornets meanwhile ventured north to tackle the Southport Tigers who they had defeated in the sixth round.
From the outset it appeared that the Tigers had a good memory as they pounded the Hornets defensive line to be rewarded with two early tries. While the Tigers were slick and clinical the Hornets once again gifted their opponents more opportunities than they needed with careless handling errors. While half-back Shaun Nipperess scored a nice little touchdown at the 20th minute mark and a couple of dubious refereeing decisions went against the Hornets the Tigers were well in control at the break with a solid 26-6 lead.
The second stanza provided more of the same as the Tigers showed the Hornets the difference between first and sixth position on the ladder with deft passing and excellent backing up. The final scoreline of 50-12, while a little unfair on the gallant Hornets, was only the second time this season, (first round v Burleigh 46-8), that the Hornets were completly dominated in a match. This shows a huge improvement on their performances of last season and with head coach Troy McCarthy signed and sealed for the 2014 season, Cudgen supporters can look forward with anticipation to more improvement ahead. They are a young side chock full of football ability and with the acquisition of a couple of quality players in key positions, the Hornets future looks positive.
The Reggies while scoring some lovely tries were outclassed by a slick Tigers outfit.
The Reggies defence on their own tryline was almost non existent as each time the Tigers crossed into Hornets territory they scored virtually at will. Jarrod Cain who was moved to hooker for the match was outstanding as was, once again, Shannon Murphy, while Josh Alcorn and Kieran Lee were the best of the rest. The Tigers won the match 52-26.
The under-19s who have had a disappointing season were solid at half time (14-12) but fell away in the second stanza to go down by 46-12. Non tried harder than Dylan Hawkey, Jacob Spargo and Nick Clark.
Next weekend marks the final round of the Bycroft Cup competition. The Hornets will host the Tugun Seahawks at Ned Byrne Field with proceedings kicking off at noon.BYCROFT CUP RESULTS
ROUND 16
A GRADE
SOUTHPORT 50 (Tries: P. Hunt 3, M. Davis, T. Matenga, S. Mulligan, M. Mitchell, T. Whakatihi, T. Cannard. Goals: C. Thomas 4, C. Chapman 3) d CUDGEN 12 (Tries: Z. Spring, S. Nipperess. Goals: J. Sands 2).
CURRUMBIN 32 (Tries: C. Gerhardt 2, T. Cassidy, J. Whitely, J. Barnett, G. Byers. Goals: C. Gerhardt 4) d BILAMBIL 18 (Tries: C. Stanford, G. Lanston, J. Armstrong. Goals: N. Black 3).
BURLEIGH 52 (Tries : E. Mafi, W. Wahini, H. Allsop, S. Davies, M. Tiopora, L. Mitchell, J. Miliszewaski, C. Morehu, J. Saybin. Goals: H. Allsop 5, W. Wahini 3) d RUNAWAY BAY 0.
TUGUN 72 (Tries: J. Sykes 6, D. Backo 3, D. Webb, D. Clarke, A. Watts, R. Parata. Goals: K. TeKiri 6, R. Parata, D. Webb, B. Clarke, R. Apanui) d TWEED HEADS 6 (Tries: L. Baker. Goals A. Hijazi).
LADDER:
Southport 26, Bilambil 22, Tugun 22, Burleigh 21, Currumbin 14, Cudgen 11, Tweed Heads 8, Runaway Bay 4.
RESERVE GRADE
SOUTHPORT 52 d CUDGEN 26, BILAMBIL 36 d CURRUMBIN 4, TUGUN 38 d TWEED HEADS 28, RUNAWAY BAY 24 d BURLEIGH 18.
LADDER: Burleigh 28, Southport 26, Bilambil 22, Cudgen 18, Runaway Bay 16, Tugun 12,
Tweed Heads 4, Currumbin 2.
U/19 COMPETITION
CURRUMBIN 28 d BILAMBIL 16, SOUTHPORT 46 d CUDGEN 12, BURLEIGH 48 d RUNAWAY BAY 22, TUGUN 46 d MUDGEERABA 14.
LADDER: Burleigh 30, Southport 20, Runaway Bay 18,Tugun 17, Bilambil 16, Cudgen 11, Currumbin 9, Mudgeeraba 7.
POWRGARD CUP PRELIMINARY FINAL RESULTS
A Div: Beaudesert 30 d Ormeau 12.
B Div: Parkwood 18 d Southport 16.
