Clydesdales' Second Half Sleep Not Enough For Magpies
by
Sunday April 13, 2003

The Toowoomba Clydesdales have moved into the Queensland Cup top 3 with a 62-28 win over equal last Souths Logan Magpies at ANZ Stadium. The Clydesdales dominated the match, despite a second half lapse in which they allowed the Magpies to score 18 unanswered points in the first 20 minutes, to reduce the scoreline from 40-4 to 40-22.

But the Clydesdales reapplied the accelerator, scoring four tries in the next 11 minutes to put the match well and truly beyond reach at 62-22. The Magpies scored a consolation try through Zeb Kyle in the dying moments.

The Clydesdales' attacking form has never been questioned, but their defensive lapses that allowed the lowly Magpies to score 6 tries is still the main concern for coach Kevin Walters, who was honoured at half time in today's main game between the Broncos and New Zealand Warriors with the second entry into the Broncos Hall of Fame.

With the Broncos well and truly beaten, and players in doubt with injury and possible suspension, several of the outstanding players for the Clydesdales may find themselves in contention for a Broncos berth next week. Scott Minto was outstanding in the centres, scoring one try but setting up many more with his amazing acceleration off the mark. Dan Kennedy, recalled to the side after being dumped last week for poor form, scored 26 points with two tries and 9 goals.

Halfback Josh McCartney continues to enhance his reputation as a future Broncos halfback, scoring three tries and having a hand in many of the other 11 tries scored on the day. Barry Berrigan and Phil Lee were also solid, while Sam Thaiday continues to impress up front, this time off the bench.

Scott Prince, making his comeback after leg and knee injuries curtailed his career over the past 18 months, was solid without being spectacular. He will gain confidence for the run, however, playing almost the full 80 minutes.

The Magpies have some hope also, in particular with prop Stanley Fau who scored two tries and made bust after bust in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Fullback Shane Cox (no relation) and former Adelaide Ram Bruce Mamando were also strong.

Toowoomba 62 (Josh McCartney 3 (30th, 66th, 71st), Dan Kennedy (3rd, 15th), Scott Minto (5th), Craig Frawley (23rd), Matt Harris (28th), Tony Duggan (37th), Barry Berrigan (63rd), Ben Czislowski (68th) tries; Kennedy 9/11 goals) defeated Souths Logan 28 (Jason Hynes (8th, 54th), Stanley Fau (43rd, 46th), Peter Pearce (60th) tries; Shane Cox 2/2, Hynes 0/4 goals).