Dolphins best Bears in close encounter

In a clash between two of the form sides in the competition, the Dolphins could not have started more poorly, with a dropped ball from the kick-off leading to a try in the opening minute for the Bears to centre Josh Rogers. 

Dolphins five-eighth Sean O'Sullivan was the man who committed the early error, but he soon redeemed himself with a neat grubber kick which Jeremy Hawkins chased and planted down to score Redcliffe's opening points in the eighth minute. 

Burleigh were favouring their left side in attack and scored a second try down this corridor midway through the first half.

A short-side play put Jonus Pearson away down the wing, who then passed inside to Rogers who went in for his second try.

In the next set, the Bears tried their hand down the right side and were successful with Allan Lockwood scoring off a kick to open up a 14-6 lead. 

In a half where both sides made minimal errors, the Dolphins had the final say when Preston Riki showed some neat footwork near the line and went over to cut the deficit to 14-12 at half-time. 

The two teams traded blows early in the second half. Livewire fullback Trai Fuller, who made a try-saving tackle in the first half, put Viliami Vailea away who then ran half the field to regain the lead for the Dolphins.

Only a few minutes later, the Bears went back in front 20-18 with a long-range try of their own, with Tanah Boyd starting and finishing the play. 

The Dolphins levelled the scores in the 63rd minute with a penalty goal, and then in the next 10 minutes took control of the game.

Back-to back tries to Sheldon Pitama and Fuller put the home side up by two converted tries with less than 10 minutes to play.

The Bears weren't done with yet and Pearson scored in the corner with three minutes to go, but an unsuccessful sideline conversion ended all hope of a comeback. 

Dolphins coach Adam Mogg was proud of his team's performance, particularly after an early ankle injury to Setu Tu forced a positional reshuffle. 

Next week, the Dolphins will face off against Tweed Seagulls.

The Bears will play PNG Hunters at Cbus Super Stadium.