ST BRENDANS SAVOUR STRADBROKE VICTORY

By Matthew McInerney

What could be better than a fine clear day on Stradbroke Island?
For Brothers St Brendans, it’s coming away with the two points.

The Saints of the Southside 3 competition fought bravely in the sweltering conditions to come away with a 30-22 win over North Stradbroke Island Sharks.

What made it more compelling was they had only 13 available players for the first half.

After losing their captain Peter Cumner early in the piece to a concussion, St Brendans managed to lead for much of the first stanza. The Sharks managed a late try and at the break it was deadlocked at 12-all.

As the second half continued, several more players succumbed to minor injuries, testing the resolve of both teams.

One of the most pivotal moments of the match occurred seven minutes from full time, when North Stradbroke crashed over next to the sticks.

The try went unconverted, giving St Brendans a narrow 24-22 lead.

From the ensuing kickoff, the ball found touch 20m out from the try line. Three plays later, St Brendans scored through second-rower Sam Moore, who kept up his 100% goal kicking record as he slotted the conversion.

The victory means St Brendans are undefeated after two games, and move to second on the table behind Beenleigh Juniors. North Stradbroke Island is seventh after two losses.

Around The Grounds:

At Hammel Park, Beenleigh Juniors continued their winning ways with a 44-0 victory over Greenbank. The nine-tries-to-nil performance ensured they remain perched atop the table with maximum points. Greenbank drop to sixth, with for and against keeping them from the bottom.

Leo Williams Oval saw Carina beat Capalaba 28 points to 22. The scoreboard looked close, but four missed conversions made it appear closer than it was. Both teams sit on two points, but for and against places Capalaba in third and Carina in fifth.

Bert St Clair Oval saw the home side smashed by Mustangs Brothers, Souths Graceville going down 38-12. The seven try rout saw Mustangs move up the ladder to fourth, and sent Souths to the bottom of the table.