Hunters fightback falls short

Church proud of his men despite defeat

THE SP Hunters almost pulled off a famous win with a second half comeback but fell short going down 18-20 to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in opening round of the Intrust Super Cup at Bycroft Oval, Gold Coast, on Saturday.
Coach Matthew Church’s men trailed 6-20 in the 48th minute but clawed their way back with two converted tries which set the stage for a two-point ball game in the final seven minutes.
However, handling errors and poor options took the edge off a possible grand stand finish.
Wynnum Manly five-eighth Jack Campagnolo’s two successful penalty goals proved the difference as his side hung on for the first points of the season.
Wynnum Manly scored first in the ninth minute after an Epel Kapinias error which saw winger Richard Kennar make a line break and set up centre Junior Pauga who scored an unconverted try for his side to lead 4-0.
The visitors (Seagulls) continued to build pressure and forced a line drop out in the 15th minute which set the stage for their backrower and former Canberra Raider Luke Bateman to score a converted try on the next set.
Seven minutes later, Hunters winger Junior Rau spilled a bomb which saw Wynnum Manly score on the next play through fullback Jesse Arthars.
A successful conversion by Campagnolo stretched the lead to 16-0.
The Hunters scored their first try in the 28th minute through debutant Jokadi Bire who carried several defenders over the line.
A successful conversion by Hunters five-eighth Charlie Simon saw the hosts trail 6-16.
But the Seagulls extended their lead to 18-6 with a penalty goal on the stroke of halftime after referee Wyatt Raymond penalised reserve hooker Edwin Ipape for a shoulder charge.
Campagnalo extended the lead to 20-6 in the 47th minute with another penalty goal after Simon was pinged for stripping.
The Hunters got a chance to launch their offence after Bateman was penalised for holding down a Hunter. Fullback Terry Wapi capitalised on that momentum to cross over for a converted try.
The Hunters continued to make errors but held out the Seagulls with some gritty defence.
Most-capped Hunter Wartovo Puara Jr snuck over from dummy half in the 71st minute to set up a tense final few minutes but Wynnum Manly held their nerve to claim the win.