Round 1 – 26/3/78

Souths 26 d Wynnum Manly 14 (Davies Park)

Ian Ogborne had a strong first match

Souths registered their first win of 1978, with a gutsy 26-14 downing of the Seagulls in a lacklustre affair at Davies Park. Referee Ian Smith issued 29 penalties in a match which saw only one effective scrum in the entire first half.

Souths scored three tries in the first half including a 75 metre effort created by John Salter sending Alan Bracken over to score.  This was followed by a superb 50 metre individual effort from Bob Kellaway when he broke through three tackles to score Souths third try.

Wynnum Manly centre Wayne Bullock was rewarded with two tries playing strongly throughout.  He was supported by Ian Ogborne, Robin Orchard, Bernie Ernst, Roger Lavis and John Dowling.

For Souths Greg Veivers, John Grant, Bob Kellaway and Pat Phelan were the Magpies best, whilst winger Tom Gillogly had a great day with the boot kicking seven goals.

Scorers: Souths 26 (G.Baird, A.Bracken, B.Kellaway, B.Astill tries, T.Gillogly 7 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 14 (W.Bullock 2 tries, R.Orchard 3, B.Walsh goals).

 

Round 2 – 2/4/78

Wynnum Manly 10 d Valleys 3 (Kougari Oval)

Lester Young holds on desperately to stop this Valleys attacking raid

Diehard Charlie Frith and Bernie Ernst from Wynnum Manly both went to hospital after a bone-jarring tackle in the second half of the Seagulls’ 10-3 disposal of Valleys at a muddy Kougari Oval.  In fact there were several members of the crowd that thought one of the players may of passed as they both laid there motionless.  The ambulance took Frith unconscious from the field directly to the Mater hospital.  

Seagulls half Greg Denman was the shining light in a dour match played in steady rain, and punctuated by plenty of dropped ball.  Denman was ably supported by Kerry Page and John Dowling, and set up Robin Orchard’s try.

The Seagulls second try was scored by replacement Lester Young.  Orchard also kicked 2 goals.  For Valleys, Keen scored their only try.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 10 (R.Orchard, L.Young tries, Orchard 2 goals) defeated Valleys 3 (M.Keen try).

 

Round 3 – 8/4/78

Easts 20 d Wynnum Manly 15 (Langlands Park)

Wynnum Manly Fullback Mark Luppi scoring for Wynnum Manly with Robin Orchard keeping a close eye on proceedings

In the Saturday game at Langlands Park, a lion-hearted effort by captain-coach Des Morris got the Tigers home in a thriller against the Seagulls 20-15.  

For 80 minutes, Morris single-handedly covered his team’s errors, set up vital plays, and inspired his teammates in defence and attack in a remarkable performance.  Not to undermine the Seagulls’ effort, the baysiders played their best football for over two seasons.  

A stirling try by fullback Rodger Kuhn, followed by an intercept to Bernie Lowther, allowed Easts to jump to an early 10-0 lead. A brilliant effort by half Wayne Lindenberg, along with goals by Greg Holben saw Easts reach 15 for the half.

However, led by Maori prop Rob Orchard and new signing Brian Walsh, the Seagulls clawed their way back to 12-15 before Orchard bumped his way over out wide.  

With Easts leading 17-15 late in the match, Kuhn magically weaved his way through under the posts, only to have Seagulls fullback Peter Luppi steal the ball. Soon after though, Morris put winger John Callus over in the corner for the clincher.

Best were Morris, Kuhn, Lindenberg and Holben for Easts, with Walsh, Luppi, centre Greg Perrett and lock Kerry Page shining in a good team effort for Wynnum-Manly.

Scorers: Easts 20 (R.Khun, J.Callus, W.Lindenberg, B.Lowther tries, G.Holben 4 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 15 (M.Luppi, R.Orchard, B.Walsh tries, Orchard 3 goals).

 

Round 4 – 16/4/78

Redcliffe 27 d Wynnum Manly 21 (Lang Park)

Steve Williams just about to stop progress of Wynnum Manly centre Greg Perrett

In the Sunday Lang Park match, Redcliffe outlasted Wynnum-Manly 27-21 in a match much more convincing than the score suggests, showing glimpses of champagne football more suited to a grand final.

After trailing the Seagulls 7-0 early, Dolphin trio Greg Oliphant, Peter Leis and Tony Obst, took control with great ball-play and punishing defence which continually forced the Seagulls into error.

Smart tries to Oliphant and Darryl Van De Velde, coupled with reliable kicking from Bunny Pearce, saw that Redcliffe were not headed again.

In the second half, Obst’s second try put the issue beyond doubt.  Lester Young (2 tries), and props Barry McTaggart and Rob Orchard were prominent all day for the Seagulls, but Dolphin forwards Ian Thinee, David Moffett, Forrester Grayson and Steve Bullow were equal to the task.

Scorers: Redcliffe 27 (I.Pearce, G.Oliphant, D.Vandevelde, S.Bullow, A.Nunan tries, I Pearce 6 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 21 (L.Young 2, G.Denman tries, R.Orchard 6 goals).

 

Round 5 – 22/4/78

Wynnum Manly 32 d Norths 14 (Bishop Park)

Wynnum Manly and NZ prop Rob Orchard was sent off after an altercation with Norths Nick Geiger

Wynnum-Manly coasted home late in a fiery match at Bishop Park, winning 32-14 against Norths.

Four cautions issued by referee Eddie Ward were not enough to prevent a wild second half brawl involving more than a dozen players.  Rob Orchard (WM) and Nick Geiger (N) were sent off as a result.

Wayne Bulloch scored the only try of the first half for the Seagulls, setting up a handy 9-4 lead.  But with Lester Young leading the charge with a double, the Seagulls piled on a total of five second half tries, capitalising on some disappointing Norths handling and attacking options.  Luppi and Westag also added tries for the baysiders, opening up a 27-4 lead.

Paul McCabe and Pat Hannan scored late for the Devils to make for a face-saving scoreline.  Lock Steve Calder was the only standout in a losing side, making a strong bid for upcoming state selection.  Hannan, McCabe and Gary Seaton tried hard for the Devils.  Bulloch, Kerry Page, half Ernie Edwards, and promoted prop Rod Coghill were best for the Seagulls.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 32 (L.Young 2, M.Luppi, B.Walsh, W.Bulloch, T.Wesche tries, R.Orchard 4, B.Walsh 2, G.Fahey goals) defeated Norths 14 (P.McCabe, P.Hannan tries, G.O’Neill 4 goals).

 

Round 6 – 30/4/78

Brothers 17 d Wynnum Manly 11 (Corbett Park)

Lester Young goes for a run at Corbett Park

The young Brothers side, stung by last week’s 41-point mauling from the Dolphins, steamrolled their way to an impressive 17-11 win over Wynnum-Manly at Corbett Park.

The Brethren’s confident play continually forced the Seagulls into error, the blue and whites dominating all facets of play. Stars for the victors were lock John Alroe with two tries, and second-rowers Harvey Carter and Murray Schultz. Rob Poudziunas scored Brothers’ other try.

Seagulls coach Dennis Ward took the field when the match began to slip, setting up smart tries to Phil Bliss and Peter Luppi. However, the Brethren rallied to hold on for a deserved win.

For Wynnum Greg Denman and Barry McTaggart had strong games and for Brothers John Alroe was outstanding.

Scorers: Brothers 17 (J.Alroe 2, R.Puodziunas tries, R.Law 4 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 11 (B.Walsh, M.Luppi, P.Bliss tries, G.Fahey goal).

 

Round 7 – 13/5/78

Wests 10 d Wynnum Manly 7 (Kougari Oval)

Poor ball control cost Wynnum-Manly dearly at Kougari Oval, as Wests nudged them out 10-7 in a scrappy affair.

It was a match that reached no great heights, as the handling throughout was nothing short of atrocious.  Rob Orchard landed two early penalties, one from halfway, to give the baysiders a 4-0 lead. The lead could have been much greater had the Seagulls handling not been so scrappy – at least two clear tries were lost because of it.

A smart try by Wests winger Peter McDonald closed out the half with the Seagulls 4-3 up at the break. Evading some woeful defence, a Rod Bradshaw try in the second half, and conversion by Mark Hogan, allowed Wests to skip to a match-winning lead.

Seagulls’ hooker Terry Wise scored a great try late in the match, but the Panthers held out.  Wynnum-Manly forwards Dave McLeod and Rod Coghill worked tirelessly all day, and were the pick in an otherwise dour match.

Scorers: Wests 10 (P.McDonald, R.Bradshaw tries, M.Hogan 2 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 7 (T.Wise try, R.Orchard 2 goals).

 

Round 8 – 21/5/78

Wynnum Manly 15 d Souths 12 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum-Manly snatched a 15-12 victory from Souths grasp in the dying seconds of their match at Kougari Oval. The Seagulls had led all day, and looked to be coming home with a wet sail leading 10-7 when Souths forward Bob Kellaway was sent off.

However, Billy Argeros capped a solid game for the Magpies with a try out wide to level the scores, and the subsequent conversion put them ahead 12-10 with six minutes remaining.  However, a concerted attacking effort from the baysiders in the dying minutes saw half Ernie Edwards duck under two tackles to touch down with only ten seconds left. It was fitting that Edwards scored the winning try, after he had scored the Seagulls’ second try from a Greg Denman bomb, and set up their third try for Rod McDougall.

The Seagulls had led 8-0 at the break and looked stronger all match with good showings from Rod Coghill, Kerry Page, Glen Hoppner and hooker Terry Wise.  Alan Brackin also played well for the Magpies and was rewarded with a good try.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 15 (E.Edwards 2, R.McDougall tries, G.Fahey 3 goals) defeated Souths 12 (A.Bracken, B.Argeros tries, T.Gillogly 3 goals).

 

Round 9 – 28/5/78

F/Valley 24 d Wynnum Manly 5 (Neumann Oval)

Wynnum halfback Greg Denman keeps a close eye on Ross Strudwick feeding the scrum

Valleys kept pace with the competition leaders, with a comprehensive 24-5 disposal of Wynnum-Manly at Neumann Oval.

The Diehards scored the first of their five tries in the fifth minute, the result never being in doubt from that moment.  Back rowers Tom Duggan, Ian Sommer and young lock Wally Lewis found repeated gaps in the Seagulls defence, with prop Charlie Frith later tearing through feeble tackles for big territory gains.

Captain Ross Strudwick, playing in his 100th game in the royal blue, played the consummate thinking man’s game all day.  The Diehards ran riot all day with tries to Duggan, Lewis, winger Mick Neill, centre Brian Dunn, and five-eighth Peter McWhirter.  One exception was a clever individual try over 20 metres to replacement centre Phil Jelley.  Glen Hoppner, Rod Coghill and John Dowling also tried hard for the baysiders.

Scorers: Valleys 24 (M.Neill, W.Lewis, P.McWhirter, B.Dunn, T.Duggan tries, Neill 4 goals, R.Studwick field goal) defeated Wynnum Manly 5 (P.Jelley try, K.Smith goal).

 

Round 10 – 4/6/78

Wynnum Manly 23 d Easts 14 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum Manly coach Dennis Ward made a one off comeback against Easts

Former international Dennis Ward made a remarkable one-off comeback to first grade, when he almost single-handedly lifted the Seagulls to a shock 23-14 win over premiers Easts at Kougari Oval.

Having retired last season, Ward captained the baysiders after regular half Ernie Edwards dislocated his shoulder a week before.  Ward engineered the win, when he set up Wayne Bullock from a scrum in the fifth minute, ran from dummy half and grubber-kicked to score ten minutes later, and then caused Tigers half Brad Sully to fumble the ball at a scrum for second-rower Kerry Page to scoop up the ball and touch down.

Ward was well supported by Rod Coghill, Glen Hoppner, Kerry Page, Brian Walsh and Wayne Bullock.  Easts were without their state representatives, and when they lost captain Des Morris with a head knock early, never clicked as a unit.  There were a number of skirmishes, one which erupted into an all-in-brawl and saw referee Ian Smith give Tigers second-rower John Abbott his marching orders.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 23 (W.Bulloch, D.Ward, K.Page tries, R.Orchard 7 goals) defeated Easts 14 (B.Sully, S.Farquhar tries, J.McDonald 4 goals).

 

Round 11 – 10/6/78

Redcliffe 35 d Wynnum Manly 4 (Redcliffe Showgrounds)

Redcliffe skipper and coach Bunny Pearce scored 17 points in the Dolphins’ 35-4 thrashing of a hapless and tryless Wynnum-Manly at the Redcliffe Showgrounds.

Pearce scored a try and kicked 7 goals from 12 attempts in a dominant performance.  Centres Peter Leis and Tony Obst ran riot all match, with fullback Pearce frequently putting them through gaps into open spaces.  

Ian Thinee, Darryl Van De Velde and Chris Mason also attacked well, and provided strong defence. The all-round class of the Redcliffe side, saw them continually find overlaps at the Seagulls’ defensive line, and they dominated all features of play. It was a resounding win for the Dolphins, after they had lost the two lower grade matches earlier in the day.  Tryscorers were Leis with a double, Pearce, Obst, Van De Velde, Williams and Gardiner.

Scorers: Redcliffe 35 (P.Leis 2, I.Pearce, T.Obst, S.Williams, D.Vandevelde, P.Gardiner tries, Pearce 7 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 4 (R.Orchard 2 goals).

 

Round 12 – 18/6/78

Norths 16 d Wynnum Manly 13 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum Manly hooker John Dowling looks at the referee in bewilderment

Norths continued their climb off the canvass for their fourth win, with a hard-fought 16-13 victory over Wynnum-Manly at Kougari Oval.

Two silly scrum infringements in the last nine minutes, allowed Devils winger Bruce Warwick to put Norths in the lead, after trailing 13-12.  

Norths established an early 7-2 lead when Gary Walker scored following great lead-up by Peter Dutton.  However, the Seagulls struck back shortly after when a stray Devils bomb found its way through numerous hands to Terry Wesche, who touched down after a spectacular 75 metre movement.  

The Seagulls then skipped away to a 10-7 lead when half Gavin Claypham toed through a dropped pass to score.  

Paul McCabe put Norths back in the lead when he barged over, followed by the baysiders regaining the lead through Rod McDougall on a blindside play, to score in the corner. It was a thrilling match, with the result in doubt right to the end.

Scorers: Norths 16 (G.Walker, P.McCabe tries, B.Warwick 5 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly (T.Wesche, G.Clayphan, R.McDougall tries, Clayphan 2 goals).

 

Round 13 – 25/6/78

Wynnum Manly 18 d P/Brothers 7 (Kougari Oval)

A great win for the Wynnum Manly team at Kougari Oval

Wynnum-Manly put the final nail into the Brothers 1978 coffin, when they registered a deserved 18-7 win at Kougari Oval.

The Seagulls played controlled attacking football to win the match, which has little or no bearing on the premiership.  Other than the first ten minutes which saw international Mark Thomas score and put the Brethren ahead, Brothers did not play to first grade standard.

The bigger Seagulls pack of Rod McDougall, Rod Coghill, Glen Hoppner and John Dowling, steamrolled a path for the baysiders’ backs to take control.

Five-eighth Brian Walsh played maestro for Wynnum-Manly, and strolled through brittle defence to set up Coghill’s first-half try, and locking up the score at 5-5 at the break.  Two second-half tries to Wayne Bullock – one on the end of a sweeping 90 metre play from a dropped Brothers’ pass – and another try to Terry Wesche, completed a solid victory for the Seagulls, who won all three grades in front of a boisterous home crowd.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 18 (W.Bulloch 2, T.Wesche, R.Cogill tries, G.Clayphan 3 goals) defeated Brothers 7 (M.Thomas try, M.Nolan 2 goals).

 

Round 14 – 2/7/78

W/Manly 16 d Wests 10 (Purtell Park)

A 12-man Wynnum-Manly outfit turned in a gutsy display to hold out for a 16-10 win over Wests at Purtell Park.  Referee Stan Scamp dismissed Rod McDougall after only 5 minutes for an apparent high tackle.

John Dowling scored a smart try from dummy half to put the Seagulls in front. Two goals to Bob Boardman opened up a handy 7-0 lead midway through the first half, before two late penalty goals to Paul Vautin reduced the lead to 7-4 at the break.

Second half tries to Brian Walsh and Terry Wesche allowed the baysiders to skip away again, before a controversial try was awarded to Wests fullback Greg McCarthy in the corner.  McCarthy appeared to take out the corner post in grounding the ball, but referee Scamp was in a good position to judge, much to the vocal disapproval of Seagulls fans and players.  

A further try to Peter Kelly in the 63rd minute reduced the lead to 15-10, before Dennis Ward calmly slotted a field goal late.  Wests forwards were nothing short of woeful against the Seagulls’ lighter and mobile pack.  Terrific efforts by Rod Cogill, Dave McLeod, Kerry Page and John Dowling, paved the way for backs Phil Bliss, Boardman, Wesche and fullback Jim Fredericksen to run amok.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 16 (J.Dowling, B.Walsh, T.Wesche tries, R.Boardman 3 goals, D.Ward field goal) defeated Wests 10 (P.Kelly, G.McCarthy tries, P.Vautin 2 goals)

 

Round 15 – 9/7/78

Wynnum Manly 17 d Souths 9 (Davies Park)

In a dominant performance, Wynnum-Manly scored three tries to one against Souths, and register a comfortable 17-9 win at Davies Park.

Only staunch Magpies defence stopped the Seagulls crossing four or five more times, in a match which has given them hope of making the top four for the first time since 1959.

The baysiders’ effort was spearheaded by a strong performance from second-rower Kerry Page. Page was involved in everything, with outstanding attack and defence, and terrific understanding of the game.  Souths had some good scoring opportunities, but they were nullified by the strong Seagulls defence, and poor handling.

Bob Boardman, Dave McLeod and John Dowling all crossed for the Seagulls, with Boardman also kicking four goals. For Souths, their only try came from winger Brian Turnbull with 13 minutes remaining, and Tom Gillogly kicked three goals. The Seagulls also won reserve grade, but lost third grade in a boilover result.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 17 (R.Boardman, D.McLeod, J.Dowling tries, Boardman 4 goals) defeated Souths 9 (B.Turnbull try, T.Gillogly 3 goals).

 

Round 16 – 16/7/78

Valleys 13 d Wynnum Manly 4 (Lang Park)

Prop Rod Cogill bracing himself before hitting the turf

Valleys and Wynnum-Manly produced mammoth defensive efforts in the match of the day at Lang Park.  The final score showed the Diehards as victors by 13-4, but by no means were the Seagulls outplayed at any stage of a very dour match.

The only try of the match came from a lucky bounce from a Ross Strudwick bomb, which avoided the pack and flew straight in front of an unmarked Wally Lewis who fell on it to score.  Winger Mick Neill converted the try, and landed four penalty goals to reach 102 points for the season.  The Baysiders points came from the boot of Bob Boardman who landed two penalty goals.

In a match highlighted for its tough and efficient defence, Valleys prop Charlie Frith was the standout.  His front-on tackling of the Wynnum-Manly pack inspired his forwards partners to fell their opponents, and it took its toll on the Seagulls pack late in the match.  The Seagulls defence also tied Valleys down in their own half for long periods, with tactical kicking by Ross Strudwick the only release of pressure.  In two other close matches, Wynnum-Manly won the reserve grade, while Valleys edged them out in thirds.

Scorers: Valleys 13 (W.Lewis try, M.Neill 5 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 4 (R.Boardman 2 goals).

 

Round 17 – 23/7/78

Easts 33 d Wynnum Manly 17 (Lang Park)

Easts Frank Roddy is wrapped up by Bob Boardman and Brian Walsh

Easts underlined their great club depth when a second-string Tigers outfit totally outclassed Wynnum-Manly 33-17 in the match of the day at Lang Park.

Big games by lock Alan Currie, fullback Rodger Kuhn, five-eight Wayne Woods, and props John McCarthy and Luciano Nobile, destroyed any hopes the Seagulls had of taking away two premiership points. McCarthy was particularly dangerous with numerous long runs, and setting up tries for both John Abbott and Rodger Kuhn on the way to a 14-7 halftime lead.

A Woods runaway try in the opening minute of the second half then put the result beyond doubt.  Only later in the second half did the Seagulls click into gear, with great team tries to Willy Tarry and a second try to Terry Wesche, both following strong work by Lester Young.

During the second half, repeated scrum infringements saw referee Ian Smith banish hookers John Lang and Rod McDougall to the second row. A second try to Kuhn, others to Brad Backer, Mark Payne and John Lang, and six goals from Jeff McDonald completed the scoring. The Tigers also comfortably won both early games.

Scorers: Easts 33 (R.Khun 2, B.Backer, M.Payne, W.Woods, J.Abbott, J.Lang tries, J.McDonald 6 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 17 (T.Wesche 2, W.Tarry tries, R.Boardman 4 goals).

 

Round 18 – 29/7/78

Redcliffe 33 d Wynnum Manly 18 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum prop Rod McDougall slips a pass under the attention of Ian Thinee

Another whirlwind points scoring effort from Bunny Pearce highlighted the Dolphins 33-18 win over Wynnum-Manly at Kougari Oval.

Pearce rattled up 18 points from two tries and six goals, and with 222 for the season is now looking to break Bruce Warwick’s record of 239 set three years ago.

Redcliffe won comfortably scoring seven tries to the Seagulls two, but the match itself was marred by poor handling and even worse defence.  The best efforts of the day came from Dolphins half Greg Oliphant with a terrific display of ball distribution, and skilful passing and attack from Seagulls Lester Young and Kerry Page.

Wynnum-Manly half Ernie Edwards strolled through wafer-thin defence from the base of a scrum after ten minutes for the first try. In the 26th and 28th minutes,  Redcliffe lock Chris Mason strolled through nonexistent defence to give the Dolphins an 18-5 lead.  Tony Obst also scored two tries, albeit one should have been disallowed for a double movement and the other for a knock-on by Steve Williams in the lead-up.  Tries by Glen Hoppner and Bevan Bleakley who carried three defenders over the line, left the score at 23-10 at the break.

Redcliffe never looked in danger of losing the match, but will need to improve their defence with finals looming.  Wynnum-Manly won the thirds while Redcliffe also won the reserves, both matches won by big margins.

Scorers: Redcliffe 33 (I Pearce 2, T.Obst 2, C.Mason 2, B.Bleakley tries, Pearce 6 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 18 (T.Wesche, E.Edwards, G.Hoppner tries, R.Boardman 3 goals).

 

Round 19 – 6/8/78

W/Manly 26 d Norths 15 (Lang Park)

Wynnum Manly forward Glen Hoppner stood out for the Seagulls

Possibly the smallest Lang Park crowd ever on record – about 200 – saw Wynnum-Manly beat a patched-up Norths side 26-15.  

With the Seagulls scoring six tries to one, the margin could have been much greater but for the boot of Devils winger Bruce Warwick who kicked six goals from eight attempts.  Warwick’s conversion of Pat Hannan’s try (Norths only try) on the stroke of half time, gave Norths a 13-12 lead, even though the Seagulls had actually scored four tries.

The Seagulls did not deserve to trail at the break, as their whole-hearted performance had the forwards and backs all combining well.  Man-of-the-match Wynnum half Ernie Edwards was in everything, and was rewarded with the first try after the break.  Edwards also set up the last try to winger Phil Bliss when he ran from the base of a scrum and threw an inside pass to Bliss who had a clear run to the line.  

All the Seagulls tries were set pieces from within the Devils quarter, and is testament to their well-drilled performance. Other tryscorers were Jim Fredericksen, Bob Boardman, Lester Young and Rod McDougall.  The Baysiders skipper Glen Hoppner, and hooker John Dowling also stood out for the Seagulls.  The win was an even better result for Wynnum-Manly, after the earlier grades were both easy wins to Norths.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 26 (J.Fredricksen, P.Bliss, R.Boardman, E.Edwards, L.Young, R.McDougall tries, Boardman 4 goals) defeated Norths 15 (P.Hannan try, B.Warwick 6 goals).

 

Round 20 – 13/8/78

Brothers 13 d Wynnum Manly 12 (Corbett Park)

Brothers ended Wynnum-Manly’s faint semi-final hopes with a stirring 13-12 win at Corbett Park.  The Seagulls had to win this match, and next week, to have any hope of forcing a playoff for fourth spot.  However it wasn’t to be.

Although scoring two tries to one, the Seagulls never deserved to win after making far too many fundamental errors, particularly when in their own half.  The Seagulls domination in the scrums was also tempered by poor handling and panic passing.  

The young Brothers pack led by experienced Peter McNamara, dominated in both attack and defence.  Frank Baker, Mark Nolan and Noel Russell all deserve special mention.  

The Seagulls looked like pulling the match out of the fire, when with only a minute to go, they were awarded a penalty well within kicking range. Bob Boardman’s kick was a shocker though and the vital two competition points had slipped from their grasp.  Paul Beauchamp and Mark Thomas also played quality games for Brothers.  While Wynnum-Manly’s best were half Ernie Edwards, and strong tacklers Kerry Page and Greg Denman.  Brothers also won both lower grades, guaranteeing a spot in the finals in third grade.

Scorers: Brothers 13 (P.McNamara try, M.Nolan 5 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 12 (J.Dowling, E.Edwards tries, R.Boardman 3 goals).

 

Round 21 – 20/8/78

Wests 27 d Wynnum Manly 7 (Kougari Oval)

Wests had the ideal preparation for their finals campaign, with a comprehensive 27-7 rout of an unsuspecting Wynnum-Manly at Kougari Oval.

Panthers five-eighth Wayne Carr engineered the win, with clever switches of attack between forwards and backs.  Carr also scored the first try in the fifth minute when he intercepted a wayward Seagulls’ pass to score untouched. Soon after, he then slipped through the baysiders defence to send second-rower Paul Vautin into the clear, who drew two defenders and unload to a flying Greg McCarthy. McCarthy then drew the fullback before sending a perfect pass to winger Pater McDonald to score the try of the match under the posts.

Wests coach Don Oxenham then switched young Rowan Brennan to the centres for the second half, and it paid immediate dividends, when Brennan pushed off three defenders to score.  Vautin and hooker Garry Prickett also scored for Wests, with Henry Williamson kicking impressively for 6 out of 7 attempts.

The Seagulls lone try was scored by half Rick Lockhart, and was cleverly set up by second-rower Lester Young.  It was a good all-round team effort by the Panthers, while for the Seagulls, Kerry Page and Greg Denman were their best performers. Wynnum-Manly lower grades both recorded strong victories, and qualified for the finals.

Scorers: Wests 27 (R.Brennan, W.Carr, P.McDonald, P.Vautin, G.Pricket tries, H.Williamson 6 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 7 (R.Lockhardt try, B.Boardman 2 goals).

1978 Wynnum Manly First Grade Rugby League Team
Back Row: Ernie Edwards, Brian Walsh, Rod Cogill, Lester Young, Tom Micklejohn, Bruce Wadsworth, Ian Boustead.
Middle Row: Wayne Bullock, Robin Orchard, Roger Lavis, Ian Ogbourne, Bernie Ernst, Barry McTaggart, Rod McDougall.
Front Row: Trevor Woods, Jim Fredrickson, Greg Perrett, Dennis Ward (Coach), John Dowling, Greg Denman, Terry Wesche.

 

Match Reports Source: Michael Higgison – BRL Historian

Photo Sources: Wynnum Manly Rugby League Football Club