Sport
19 April, 2024
Better play despite loss
AFTER a fierce battle for the GNB Energy Cup, the Northern Pride went down against the Redcliffe Dolphins 30-22 but the team is still hopeful that they can come back from the last two defeats.
Despite a brilliant first half 16-6, with the Pride ahead, the team couldn’t sustain the win and ended up losing against a resilient Redcliffe Dolphins that returned inspired taking the match and the GNB Energy Cup 30-22.
The Pride is currently sitting in eighth place next to six other teams with six points. Their next match will be a battle for the ages at home at Barlow Park against the North’s Devils.
Coach Eric Smith said, that regardless of the result, this match had been an improvement on the previous game against the Falcons and one that had taught them a lot.
“I’m relatively happy with the game, we improved our start,” he said.
“This is the best start to a game that we’ve had, we need to hang on to that, replicate it and sustain it for longer periods.”
Mr Smith also praised the reduction of handling errors, more completions, and the perfect start. He said the team would continue to build on this in the following matches.
Pride chief executive Garreth Smith said, although the next match against the North Devils was going to be a tough one, it was good to be back home.
“Our HPC match against the Redcliffe Dolphins was a battle to the end but the Dolphins proved to be the winner on the day taking out the annual GNB Energy Cup 30-22,” he said.
“Although a loss, we have taken plenty from the game as we focused on our starts, handling errors and completions from a poor performance the week before.
“We have our first home game back at Barlow Park in over a month. We play Norths Devils who are currently tracking in 4th spot on equal 6 points.
“Based on our previous encounters with the Norths Devils, we know that they are a force to be reckoned with. The last time we met in 2023 was in round 7 and we were put to the sword, beaten 48 – 0.
“I recall this being a defining moment in our season last year. I am sure that is a distant memory for the side this year and we will see the Northen Pride defend our home with fierce resistance.
“We’ll keep building on our areas of strength and ensure a solid preparation in anticipation for the win this weekend.”
