Hunters suffer third loss

THE SP Hunters suffered an 8-22 loss to visitors Sunshine Coast Falcons in round four of the Hostplus Cup at Bycroft Oval on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The final score appeared one-sided, however, the game was anything but, with the Hunters threatening to narrow the lead on a few occasions as they chased a second-half comeback.
The Hunters started better than in previous weeks, marching up-field and taking an early two points when the Falcons conceded consecutive penalties to begin the match.
Sunshine Coast reacted by going quickly on the attack, searching down their right edge, only to be denied in the corner by Hunters centre Gilmo Paul.
The Hunters were deemed to have played at the ball in defending that shift and Sunshine Coast made the most of their fresh attacking set, going to the right again for Will Warbrick to cross over for a try.
The Hunters muscled up in defence, forcing a few errors and working up-field to earn a repeat set themselves, thanks to a well weighted attacking kick into the in-goal.
The Falcons did what the Hunters could not, however, and defended their line effectively in the ensuing set. With the game settling into a grind, both teams looked for advantage through the middle and defended their errors reasonably well until Falcons winger Nat McGavin crossed over in the 18th minute to break the deadlock.
The Falcons took a 14-2 lead into the break.
The second half was a battle of field position.
Fullback Matthew Jesse was energetic on kick returns to help the Hunters up-field and Keven Appo capitalised on the field position to score in the 68th minute.
But the Falcons defended their line and their lead through to the siren. The Hunters were brave in defeat and will rue a few controversial calls that went against them at times.
Junior Rop was a standout performer for the Hunters, starting at lock to help his side start strongly before returning in the second half and changing the momentum.
Rop forced three errors with his defence in the final quarter of the match as the Hunters chased points.
Hunters coach Matthew Church said there were signs of development despite the loss.
“Our start was better compared with the last two games,” Church said.
“We completed much better and gave ourselves a chance to positively influence the result.
“It felt like we were on top for large periods of the game despite the scoreline.
“If we stick to our systems and continue improving each week, the results will come.”
The Hunters are currently eleventh on the points ladder and head into a two-week break before they play their round five fixture against the Burleigh Bears on April 25.
Results: Sat, April 9 – Hunters 8 Falcons 22, Pride 12 Blackhawks 22, Capras 26 Cutters 18; Sun, April 10 – Bears 18 Tweed Heads 30, Wynnum Manly 42 Dolphins 14, Tigers 42 Jets 8, Devils 34 Magpies 26.