Sport
18 April, 2021
BHP Premiership: Gold Stars shine in clash with Capras
A Deborah Barchard double has helped the North Queensland Gold Stars record their first win of the season after proving too strong for the Central Queensland Capras, running out eventual 36-14 winners at Browne Park.
Leading the way throughout the match was workhorse Emma Manzelmann who controlled proceedings nicely in what was a 65-minute straight stint from the young dummy half.
After scoring a try in her 53-minute stint for the Valkyries last weekend, Barchard returned to the Gold Stars this weekend and made an immediate impact - scoring a double in a game where the tries just kept coming for the away side.
Talented fullback Romy Teitzel got the Gold Stars off to a flyer in the second minute when she made it tries in back-to-back games, with the away side never relinquishing the lead for the rest of the contest.
Gold Stars head coach Gavin Lloyd said his side’s ability to hold onto the footy and all work together as a complete unit was the reason behind their ability to score points throughout the entire contest.
“It was a good effort across the park from all players and a lot less errors which kept us in the hunt,” Lloyd said.
“I think people think that if they’re starting on the bench then they’re not as good as the starting side but it’s a 17 person game so everyone counts and has got to make a difference and I think they all did that tonight.”
Capras head coach Amanda Ohl said the result was disappointing and a step back from their Round 1 victory over the West Brisbane Panthers; she believes they’ll need to particularly focus on ball control if they want to challenge the top teams in the competition.
“We didn’t complete sets, we didn’t control the ball and we didn’t move up off our line, so when you only complete three sets in the second half you’ve got to expect that kind of result,” Ohl said.
“The girls have been told to forget about it and not dwell on it but instead focus on next week and remember what they bring to this team and try build up confidence within the group.”
The Capras will be looking to put the performance behind them and turn things around quickly when they face the Burleigh Bears next Sunday at Pizzey Park.
Meanwhile, the Gold Stars will face the Tweed Seagulls on Sunday at Jack Manski Oval.
