ROUND 03/2010 - Queensland Cup

The rampant Souths Logan Magpies demolished the Northern Pride 60-12 at Davies Park yesterday.Boosted by the late inclusion of some high-quality Canberra Raiders players, including NSW State of Origin representative Tom Learoyd Lahrs, the home side ran in 11 tries to two against a Pride side who are yet to register a win this season.

Slick Magpies Show Class

Leading 16-6 at halftime, the Magpies ran riot in the second half and coach Mark Beaumont was justifiably pleased with his team’s overall performance.

“I was most pleased with our ball control and the way we were able to build pressure,” Beaumont said.

“Against Burleigh last week we dropped a few balls and were not able to get repeat sets. In this game, we managed to control the footy and we had some lucky bounces. We had some good momentum and we managed to keep Pride quiet. Kimi (Eliakim Uasi) our hooker was good for us, as well as Reece Robinson who flew in from the Raiders and our winger (Michael) Brophy also played well. But it was hard to fault anyone really, everyone played their part.”

Next week, the Magpies will travel to BMD Kougari Oval to play an undefeated Wynnum Manly side who have so far managed to fly under the radar.

After playing in the historic nil-all draw against Burleigh Bears in round one, they have since recorded a hard-fought 18-16 win over the Northern Pride and an impressive 24-12 win over reigning premiers Sunshine Coast.

“We spoke about it a little bit after to game and while it was good to have a win like that, it won’t be hard to get re-focused for our next game,” Beaumont said.

“Wynnum are undefeated and it will be a good test for us. We are playing at Wynnum on Easter Sunday, so we will have a hostile crowd against us because they are always supportive of their side. We will have our work cut out for us.”

By Colleen Edwards

Northern Pride labelled disgraceful - cairns.com.au

Results Table - Queensland Cup

Match Preview

The Northern Pride will be desperate to avoid a third-straight defeat when it travels to Davies Park for a daunting assignment against a Magpies team beginning to find some form.

The Magpies got the better of Burleigh 24-10 last week to provide Mark Beaumont with his first Intrust Super Cup victory as head coach. First-year Pride coach David Maiden would love to follow suit and open his account for the season.

The Pride was installed as one of the favourites for the 2010 premiership but so far their form hasn’t lived up to the early predictions. Two losses at home has put the pressure on but there is too much class and experience in the Pride outfit to warrant any panic. The Pride forward pack has a strong Cowboys flavour about it, with Clint Amos, James Tamou and Manase Manuokafoa named in the starting side.