Heavies slay the Dragons
The University of Queensland bounced back from last weekend’s narrow defeat with a morale boosting 30-17 win over defending Premiers Sunnybank at Old Mac Oval on Saturday, their second defeat of the Dragons this season.
In a match-up which was seen as mouth-watering given the return of several players from Reds duty the Heavies twice over-turned the lead to finish the stronger side in an intense game of rugby.
Sunnybank attacked fiercely in the opening exchanges and when the Heavies repeatedly infringed close to their line, the Dragons were awarded a penalty try for their efforts which fly half Dion Taumata converted with consummate ease.
The Heavies duly replied in a fashion they haven’t shown in the past few weeks with accurate goal-kicking Tim Mosey reduced the margin to a point.
The Dragons dug deep though, but a stunning break by outside centre Rex Tapuai and a dive for the corner by winger Elijah Whaikawa yielded no result.
A try just before half-time through several carries in the forwards led to the Heavies taking the lead.
Dragons scrumhalf Matt Lucas then showed some sleek running to steal a five-pointer and the lead in the 43rd minute, but this second-half proved to be even more fruitful for the Heavies as they showed some of their best defensive resolve this season.
Winger Elliott Hagen botched a certain try on the left wing before he finally found space to motor away and finish; the Heavies took the lead after Mosey nailed an important conversion.
The left side again proved to be fruitful minutes later as the game entered the final quarter, another try meaning the Dragons need to fight back even harder.
Sunnybank held possession and laid siege at the Heavies’ line but Hagen’s second try just ten minutes before full-time was just enough to slay the Dragons.
University of Queensland 30 (Elliott Hagen 2, Tim Buchanan, Jordan Chapman tries; Tim Mosey 2 cons, 2 pens) def. Sunnybank 17 (Matt Lucas, penalty tries; Dion Taumata 2 cons, pen).