The Gold Coast Titans contingent playing for the Tweed Seagulls put in strong performances in round 11 of the Intrust Super Cup, helping the NRL team's affiliate club to a 14 points to 12 victory over the Redcliffe Dolphins.
In his first game back from a pec injury, Sam Lisone was strong as he played over 40 minutes of football, while Herman Ese'ese was also strong as he made his way back after suspension.
Toby Sexton, Esan Marsters and Joe Vuna also impressed as the Seagulls celebrated their 400th match in the Intrust Super Cup competition.
It was a dour, physical confrontation between two teams that defended well, conceding tries only in the face of possession flows to their opponents until the Seagulls nailed the victory, coming from behind at or just after half-time to do so for the sixth time this season.
Redcliffe led 6-4 at half-time and had a strong southerly wind at their backs in the second half. With six minutes remaining they led 12-8 but, while they made crucial errors searching for the match-sealing try, Tweed iced their one golden opportunity of the final 10 minutes – with the hero coming in an unlikely shape.
Titans forward Herman Ese’ese, returning from a three-game NRL suspension, scored the match-winner in the 74th minute.
It was Titans halfback Toby Sexton who squeezed a grubber into in-goal on the left edge for Ese’ese to steam through to collect.
That levelled the score at 12-all with Lindon McGrady, who failed with his two earlier conversion attempts from the touchline, given the chance to break the deadlock. He did without trouble.
Vuna again showed why he was elevated to the NRL side in recent weeks with another strong performance, while Marsters was also a constant threat in his first game for the Seagulls.
Tweed now have a a three-point gap in third place ahead of four teams – Souths Logan, Burleigh, Redcliffe and Northern Pride going into next week’s representative weekend break.
Article by Titans.com.au and Tweed Seagulls. Picture supplied by Max Ellis.
