Game Reports

Sunbowl 24 - Stingrays v Rhinos - Corparoo

THREE-PEAT BABY!

The Gold Coast Stingrays won their 7th Sun Bowl championship in sweltering conditions on the weekend defeating the Northside Rhino’s 21-0. In a game highlighted with big collisions and gutsy plays, our boys completed the three-peat goal set at the beginning of the year.

The 1st quarter was dominated by tough defence by both sides until Kyle Low took advantage of some great blocking and broke a tackle on a designed QB outside run to take the ball 35 yards. The drive was finished off by low with a QB draw run up the middle. The Rays defensive front made up of Dave Wilson, Rob Mckinnon, Rolando Hanipali and Michael Ngaumo smothered the Rhinos running attack and dictated terms all game. Defensive Backs Ben Walker and Rod Barker broke up several passes with Ash Dick picking off a crucial pass. The score at half time was a hard earned 7-0 to the Rays.

In the 3rd Quarter the Rays came out on fire and drove down the field with some outstanding passes and amazing receptions by Glen Robinson, Will Northcote and Damon Malloy. The first drive in this quarter was finished off by a clutch 20 yard reception in traffic down the middle of the field to rookie star tight end Lawrence Tully. It was at this point our defence really shifted into a higher gear and really clamped down on the Rhinos with Scott Perret and Mark Lawson cleaning up on several run plays. Linebacker Nick Nahass also got into the interception action with a great pick in the flat retuning the ball 15 yards. The Stingray offense drove the ball again in a conservative time consuming drive highlighted by tough inspirational running by Jae Pawlowski playing with an injured ankle. Our relentless offensive line (Luke Chapman, Andy Farrell, Dan Collins, Anthony Dorrel and Nigel Law) finally wore down the physical defensive front 7 of the Rhinos and cracked open some great gaps inside and outside. The drive was once again finished off by a Low to Tully pass in the corner of the end zone.

Our rookie tight end was awarded the game Most Valuable Player trophy for his outstanding play. He scored two touch downs, had over 80 yards receiving and made several tackles on special teams to put the team in a good field position situation.

The true meaning of Stingray Pride shone through in the performance with true guts, resilience, attitude, determination and good decision making under pressure. They were a class act throughout the season and each member of the team should be very proud of their contribution.

Cheers
Coach Groth

Playoff - Stingrays v Rhinos - Ipswich

Here we go again!
After an outstanding performance by all the Stingray players on the weekend against the Northside Rhinos, The Rays have progressed to their third consecutive Sun bowl Grand Final after a 21-0 effort. In a game in which many commentators had our team written off, the Rays showed the true guts, resilience and determination these players are made of. I was very proud of their effort and focus over the past week and especially during the game.

The first highlight of the game came in the first quarter when Rod Barker intercepted a Rhino pass and returned it for a 65 yard score. However, a penalty after the pick brought the ball back for the Stingray offense to drive the ball down the field to finish with a 4 yard quick strike from Kyle Low to Damon Malloy who returned from injury.

Stiff defence by rob McKinnon and Scott Perret kept the Rhino offense from major rushing gains and Dave Wilson kept the Rhinos passing game under constant pressure with relentless pass rush. This set up the second score in the half with a spectacular 18 yard pass reception by Malloy again.
In the second half the defence hit another gear with defensive lineman Rolando Hanipale and Michael
Ngauamo smothering runs in the back field and causing a turnover. Defensive secondary players Ashley Dick and Damon Malloy and linebacker Mark Lawson swatted many passes away. Dave Kirby came up with an outstanding tackle on Rhino Running back Paul Mason in the flat on a fourth down attempt.

In the fourth quarter the Rays drove the ball down the field 95 yards, taking over 7 minutes off the clock. This was done on the back of Jeff Moate’s hard running and vision for finding space. The offensive line led a precession down field on a 30 yard reverse which set up the team to finish the drive with a 28 pass to Malloy again in a fearless reception in the endzone in which the defender leveled Malloy but was able to hang onto the ball.

Overall it was an amazing effort by a team which has had its moments this season with 9 starting players missing throughout the season. But in true Stingray fashion the boys overcame the adversity and displayed true Stingray Pride. So now we advance to our 12th Sun Bowl in our 22 year history to what will hopefully be our 7th title. The team is focused and know what needs to be done to prepare for this game. It’s going to be a great day and a great game and we are very much looking forward to it.

Cheers
Coach Groth

Stingrays v Rhinos - Daisy Hill

In week 10 we headed to Daisy Hill to play the second place Rhinos. It was always going to be a tough game for us but I don't think anyone could foresee the nail bitter it turned out to be. The Rays started stong wafter the opening kickoff saw Jarrod Hayes recover a Rhinos fumble. The Rays struck quick with a 15 yard touchdown pass from Kyle Low to Will Northcote. With an aggressive defensive front the Rhinos made every yard hard earned and capitalised on an offensive miscue tackling Jae Pawlowski in our own endzone after he recovered the fumble for a 2 point safety. The Rhinos then took the lead with a score and a failed two point conversion. Then the Rays came back and scored on a deep pass to rookie Tight End Lawrence Tully. Then Ash Dick caught a 37 yard pass for the TD. The Rhinos were not finished and also scored a TD and two point conversion to leave the half at a score line of 21 – 16.

The second half saw many drives almost go the distance but stalled in the red zone for the Rays. The defensive effort kept us in the game but the efforts of the players going both ways caught up with them when the Rhinos were able to break a number of tackles and score a touch down. Special mention should be made of Dave Wilson, Rob McKinnon and Luke Chapman for there defensive efforts. They never rested and were relentless during the game playing with injury. The Rhinos can be congratulated on playing a great game.

The loss now gives us the opportunity to go back to training and work on the areas we need to improve on in order to be successful in the upcoming playoffs only three games away.

Stingrays v Bears - Runaway Bay

It was great to be back home to play of the fast surface of the Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre. Just like the turf the offence got out to a fast start with an unhindered drive finished off by a 29 yard pass from Kyle Low to Damon Malloy. The defence were missing many key defender this weekend but once again were up to the task keeping the Bears scoreless and denying them any points on a goal line stand. From here the Offence took the ball 97 yard on 10 plays and finished the drive with a good old Jeff Moate rumbling TD leaving the score 13 – 0 at the half.

Game 7- Cougars v Stingrays DAisy Hill

In Round 8 we played our old rivals the Cougars at Daisy Hill. This game saw three time Junior Sun Bowl champion quarterback Marcus Kemp make his staring debut for the senior team in the absence of Kyle Low. The first quarter saw the defences dominate and was also the first team to score with Damon Malloy intercepting a Cougars pass and taking the ball to the end zone for the score.

With many missed opportunities by the offence the defence kept us in the game with Rob McKinnon recovering a fumble and Ash Dick also recovering a fumble. Kemp found his rhythm in the second quarter hitting Damon Malloy with a beautiful pass in the corner of the end zone.

In the third quarter Damon Malloy, who's efforts and improvement have been remarkable, once again found the end zone on a 55 yard run which finished the game with a score of 18 – 0.

Game Six verse Wildcats - Daisy Hill

This week we played the Wildcats at their home field in Daisy Hill. The first quarter was a bit of a tussle with both team defences dictating the tempo of the game. Outside linebacker Yohan Errickson picked up two turnovers during this period with a fumble recovery and a pass interception.

It wasn't until the second quarter the scoring began with Kyle Low scrambling for a 30 yard TD and a two point conversion caught by Jarrod Hayes. The second TD also came in the second quarter with Damon Malloy taking the ball 35 yards.

The defence kept the Wildcats stifled all afternoon with Rob McKinnon dominating the line and causing havoc in the Wildcats backfield. The fourth quarter saw Lawrence Tully catch an 11 yard TD pass off Low to end the game 21 – 0.

Game Five verse Ravens - Birkdale

The Stingrays travelled to Bikdale to play the Ravens on the weekend with an injury and illness ravaged lineup. The Rays were missing 8 starters for the match, but once again we could rely on our quality depth in players to step in what turned out to be a gutsy affair. The Ravens came out in a "got nothing to lose" attitude and played a physical game making the makeshift offensive line work for every yard gained wether it be through the air or on the ground. The Stingray defence once again lived up to its reputation not alowing the Ravens any points and taking away the big plays. The D shut down the Ravens passing attack with many passes swatted down and Dave Kirby intercepting a crucial pass in the "red zone". The Ray Defence is having a great season only allowing 14 points in 5 games which averages out to 2.8 points per game.

First points came during the first quarter in the form of a pass from Kyle Low to Jarrod Hayes in the corner of the end zone. Damon Malloy had an exemplary game with 10 receptions with easily over 100 yards and a TD in the second quarter. It was an amazing effort considering Damon was still suffering the effect from the flew which had bed ridden all week. The third TD of the day came in the fourth quater with 30 yard QB scamper by Low complete with sound affects.

To be honest it wasnt the greatest game the Rays have ever played coming out on top 18-0. In fact there were elements that were very dissapointing. But a win is a win and well done by the guys that played. Next week we go to Daisy Hill for a 5pm game against the Wildcats.

Cheers Coach Groth

Game Four verse Rhinos - Banyo

A much improved performance by the Stingrays came away with a 34 - 0 win on the weekend against the Rhinos in Banyo. In recent weeks the Rays have been inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball with only two of its offensive lineman from the 07 line-up returning for the 08 season. Rookie offensive lineman Anthony Dovell and Ben Taylor have really improved and starting to get opposing defensive fronts moving.  Stingray veteran Rob McKinnon is also new to the offensive left tackle position and admits that it is a challenging position and is really seeing the results of experience in the new spot creating space for our running backs to use. I am very proud and appreciative of their persistence and effort and look forward to even bigger things from them. With running backs Jeff Moate unavailable and Jae Pawlowski going down early with and ankle sprain, back up tail backs Ash Large and John Lowe aka JP really stepped up and played hard getting tough yards against a big Rhino front seven.

Defensively the Rays once again showed their "bend and don't break" defensive style denying the Rhinos of points on the day. Causing several negative gains and forced fumbles the Rhinos had a tough day. To the Rhinos credit they did not throw in the towel and still challenged the defence with some tough running an intermediate passing. Great performances by Nick Nahass who was always around the ball and had a fumble recovery and Daniel Collins and Rob McKinnon who played both ways all day where truly inspiring.

I was very impressed with the Stingray special teams and especially the exemplary kicking by Kyle Low who created may opportunities for our team to have success. First points of the day came in the first offensive drive by the Rays with Will Northcote catching a pass from Kyle Low in the end zone. The second quarter scoring had Northcote scoring again in the corner of the end zone on a 13 yard pass. The second half comprised of three more scores. Another 15 yard TD reception by Northcote, an 8 yard TD reception by James Barnes and a 13 yard TD reception by Damon Malloy.

All in all I am very pleased with the improvement of the team in recent weeks but there is plenty of room for improvement as it is only early in the season and I expect many teams out there to also improve. We have a well deserved bye this weekend and the chance to get some good training sessions in to prepare for the Ravens at Birkdale on the 30th of August.

Cheers Coach Groth

Game Three verse Bears - Runaway Bay

In Game Three the Stingrays came away with a gritty 21-0 win against an improved Browns Plains Bears at our Runaway Bay home ground. The Bears went on the early offensive with their running game forcing the defence to make adjustments. Once the changes took effect the second half saw the Ray's defence limit the Bears attack keeping them scoreless for the game. The offensive side of things also had rough time dealing with a physical Bear's Defensive front and had inconsistent results on the run. The passing game however sustained the first drive of the quarter which ended with a 6 yard TD pass from Kyle Low #5 to Will Northcote #15. In a half marred by penalties and poor execution by the Rays offense the score at the half remained 7-0.

The second half saw some improvement by the Rays on both sides of the ball with the defence getting turnovers and halting drives and the offense getting back into gear and sustaining long drives with the running game complemented with a solid passing game. Scoring in the second half consisted of a 7 yard rushing TD by Ash Large #22 and a 25 yard receiving TD by Glen Robinson #23. Next week we face the second place Northside Rhinos at their home field. This game has always been one to look forward to and will once again require a great effort by our team. Cheers Coach Groth

Week two verse Cougars - Ipswich

The Stingrays travelled to Ipswich to play the Cougars last weekend to continue our long standing historic rivalry. We got out to a fast start with the defence making the cougars punt three and out and the offence driving down the field finishing with a touchdown on QB scramble by Kyle Low #5. In the Second Quarter the Rays scored another 3 TD's with a 12 yard bullet from Low to Will Northcote #15 in the end zone, a 39 yard deep passing strike from Low to tight end James Barnes #31 and another running touchdown by Kyle Low. The defence were once again in terrific form with Dave Murphy constantly causing pressure off the edge of the defensive line and Nick Nahass seemed to be everywhere the ball was and picked the ball off for his efforts in the second quarter. The score at the half was 28-7 at the half after a long TD completion by the Cougars #14 Anthony Dabelstein late in the second quarter.

The 3 rd quarter saw the Stingrays offense fall into a bit of a slump with the Cougars front 7 disrupting the running game. The defence however continued to deny the Cougars attack of any substantial gains and held them scoreless in the 3 rd quarter. The Cougars did not give in and scored on a 12 yard off tackle run in the forth quarter. The Rays offense somewhat redeemed themselves when they drove the ball 65 yards and finished with a 35 yard passing TD to Barnes who is the season leading points scorer for the Rays with 4 TD's. The score ended up 35-14 after an entertaining game. The Stingrays now come home to play the Bears at Runaway Bay at 3pm on Saturday.

Hope to see you there,

Week One vs Wildcats - Runaway Bay

In the season opener we played the Wildcats at home  on a clear but chilly night which saw our team come away with a 33-0 win. The Wildcats turned up big in numbers and big in size. The Rays faced a much improved Cats team with a very physical front seven on defence making the offence earn every yard. However, the offence boasting two rookies on the offensive line showed up with a gritty performance keeping their composure  and keeping to the game plan. This determination was rewarded with some great runs by Jae Pawlowski #27 and J.M #32 who displayed toughness all night refusing to go down to gain vital yardage.

The Stingray defence on the night was outstanding allowing only a handful of completions by the Cats and stuffing the run throughout the evening. Such was the effort on the night that the Cats never saw the Rays “red zone” let alone the end zone. The entire D line applied pressure all night and stout tackling by Dave Kirby #7 and Nick Nahass #3 prevent several first downs

The first Quarter saw J.M #32 scored the first points of the season on a bustling run and Glen Robinson caught an amazing pass in the corner of the end zone in the Second Quarter. Kyle low finished the evening throwing 4 touchdown passes. Two to James Barnes who had an incredible game and Will Northcote who caught a circus act catch at the back of the end zone for the score.

Next week we play the Cougars in Ipswich who have just came off a 6 all draw with the Bears last week.

Cheers

Coach Groth