The Redcliffe Dolphins piled on the points early in their impressive 49-10 victory over the Northern Pride at Moreton Daily Stadium.
Twelve months ago, in the second last match of the regular season the Pride travelled to Redcliffe with their season on the line and the Dolphins looking to secure a top four semi-final spot.
Last year it was Pride who beat the Dolphins 24-16 and the home side were determined not to let that happen again.
The Dolphins shot out of the gate to lead 30-0 after just 27 minutes of play in the first half following a first half double to both Trai Fuller and Jeremiah Simbiken.
Jackson Frei crossed for the other Dolphins try while Bryce Donovan was on song with his goal-kicking, landing his first five conversions.
It took to the 37th minute before the Pride got on the scoreboard when dangerman Julian Christian regathered a short Cameron Cullen dropout and crossed out wide.
Will Partridge converted, and the Dolphins went to the break with a commanding 30-6 lead.
Match: Dolphins v Pride
Round 19 -
home Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
away Team
Pride
9th Position
Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
While the Dolphins attack was what the crowd were talking about it in the first half, it was their defence that brought a smile to coach Scott Murray’s face.
“I was really pleased with our defence in the first half, to keep the Pride to one try was very satisfying,” Murray said.
The second half started just like the first when Simbiken crossed for his third try in just the second minute of play.
Then just three minutes later Fuller said 'whatever you can do Jeremiah, so can I' as he crossed for his third try.
As the Dolphins took their foot off the pedal and the Pride got a bit more field position and held onto the ball, they started to make inroads through the Dolphins defence.
However, besides when Robert Derby crossed in the 58th minute, they couldn’t cross the Dolphins line, the home side just kept turning up.
A further try to skipper Sheldon Pitama in the final 10 minutes of play and field goal to Donovan, who added to his eight conversions, for a personal tally of 17 points.
Both Simbiken and fullback Fuller must be giving the Dolphins NRL talent scouts something to think about with their consistent strong performances.
For the Pride, they just weren’t on tonight and may rue their lacklustre performance against the Dolphins.
In the final round of the competition, the Pride take on the Jets at Barlow Park in a must-win match if they are going to play in the semi-finals and hope other results go their way.
Match: Pride v Jets
Round 20 -
home Team
Pride
8th Position
away Team
Jets
13th Position
Venue: Barlow Park, Cairns
The Dolphins travel to Sunshine Coast Stadium for their clash against the Sunshine Coast Falcons where second place on the ladder is up for grabs.
Match: Falcons v Dolphins
Round 20 -
home Team
Falcons
2nd Position
away Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
