Hunters suffer 2nd loss

THE SP Hunters will welcome a week off to rest their injured leaders after falling short to Burleigh Bears in a classic Intrust Super Cup clash at Pizzey Park today.
The Bears won 25-18 in front of a huge Anzac Day crowd, holding on to the Kokoda Cup for the third consecutive year.
The Bears led throughout the match but the Hunters were always a chance to fight back, ignited by fullback Terry Wapi who charged down a kick and scored in the 69th minute.
That reduced the margin to three points and the Hunters fans were hoping their team could finish over the top of a Bears squad that played without any interchange players in the second half due to injury.
But these Kokoda Cup clashes have become known for their unpredictability.
Just when the Hunters looked set to claw past the defending champions, an early kick by Bears five-eighth Tanah Boyd sparked a turnover that led to a 79th minute try to Beau Fermor — the third try for the Gold Coast Titans-contracted player.
That closed the door on the Hunters’ hopes of regaining the Kokoda Cup for the first time since 2017.
The Hunters take a 3-2 win-loss record into this weekend’s competition bye, allowing coach Matt Church to rest his captain Ila Alu (hand), veteran hooker Wartovo Puara Jr (ankle) and powerful forward Epel Kapinias (ankle).
Alu was injured early in the second half and will require scans on his hand while Puara and Kapinias will return for the round-six clash with Brisbane Tigers at Bycroft Oval on May 9.
“That was a real physical challenge today but full credit to Burleigh because they were outstanding and played smart football,” Church said.
“They came out with a lot of energy early in the second half and they kept competing.
“We probably tried to go around them too much rather than concentrating on what works best for us.
“Any loss is a learning experience and that’s no different for the players or the coaching staff.
“We will all take something out of this game.
“We’ll have a weekend off and get ready to go again.”
Bears 25 (Beau Fermor 3, Luke Page, Api Noeme-Matenga tries, Guy Hamilton goal, field goal, Josh Rogers goal) bt Hunters 18 (Jokade Bire, Norman Brown, Brandon Nima, Terry Wapi tries, Charlie Simon goal) at Pizzey Park.
Results: Sat, April 24 — Jets 40 Capras 24, Pride 12 Devils 13, Cutters 10 Magpies 60, Dolphins 16 Tweed Heads 28; Sun, April 25 ­— Bears 25 Hunters 18, Blackhawks 16 Falcons 24, Tigers 14 Wynnum Manly 22.