Melbourne Storm feeder club the Sunshine Coast Falcons finals run came to an end on Sunday, going down 38-10 to the CQ Capras in the semi-final.
With several Storm contracted players getting their opportunity at NRL level in Storm’s Round 27 clash with the Broncos, it was a new-look Falcons outfit that travelled north to Rockhampton for the do-or-die clash.
After sneaking into finals on the back of some strong end of season form, Falcons proved too good for a spirited Redcliffe Dolphins in week one of finals but were unable to replicate that performance against a CQ Capras who were boosted by a strong home crowd advantage.
The game started brightly for the Falcons, taking the points on offer in the form of two penalty goals inside the first five minutes of the contest.
After working hard through the middle third of the field inside the opening 20 minutes, the Falcons defence was eventually worn down, Capras scoring three tries before the break to lead 14-4 at halftime.
The Falcons wouldn’t find much more joy in the second half, Capras running in a further five tries straight before a late consolidation try to Luke Polselli in the 79th minute.
Sam Burns was a workhorse through the middle on what was a challenging afternoon, racking up 58 tackles in the defeat.
It’ll be similar scenario next Sunday for the Capras, set to face fellow Storm feeder club Brisbane Tigers in a preliminary final at Totally Workwear Stadium on Sunday.
