BLK Queensland Premier Rugby Review Round 10

Souths v University of Queensland

The BLK Queensland Premier Rugby Match of the Round for Round 10 saw a top-of-the-table clash between Souths and the University of Queensland. In what was expected to be a close encounter, the Red Heavies got off to a flying start before eventually running away with an astounding 63-24 victory, securing the Welsby Cup for 2016.

University Winger Clifton Setu got the Red Heavies rolling early, showing some sharp footwork to scoot over in the corner three minutes into the match at Chipsy Wood.

The visitors were firing when Scott Gale made a darting run off the back of a dominant University scrum, the Red Heavies were well on their way to a bonus-point, just 13 minutes into the fixture.

Souths had no answer for University as the Students dominated possession and territory, running in another three tries to take the half-time score to 42-nil.

Despite an early second-half try to Gale, his second for the match, Souths did manage to earn back some scoreboard respect with four tries in the second stanza.

Number Eight Jonathan Kalauta bagged two, while lock Isireli Naisarani and blindside flanker Simana Halaifonua each crossed for a try.

It was never going to be enough for Souths as the University of Queensland showed their title credentials and eventually secured the 63-24 victory.

Congratulations to University of Queensland scrumhalf, Scott Gale, who was named the Musashi High Performer of the Round, for the second time in as many weeks.

University of Queensland 63 (S Gale J Dalgleish 2 tries J de Guingand P Fepuleai R Leilua P Potgeiter C Setu tries J Dalgleish 9 cons) d Souths 24 (J Kalauta 2 tries I Nasarani S Halaifonoa tries S Malalua 2 cons)

Easts v Bond University

A late try to Bond University outside centre Brad Jones secured a 26-21 victory over Easts, at David Wilson Field, in Round 10 of BLK Queensland Premier Rugby.

It was the Tigers who got the ball rolling with an early try to tight-head prop AJ Campbell, but the lead was short-lived as Jones responded with his first of two tries for Bond.

The sides traded blows throughout the first half with tries to Easts’ Max Quigley and Bond’s Waylen Skipps and Gus Qasavakatini, who showed his speed to secure Bond’s third try, handing the visitors the half-time lead.

Easts started the second-half in similar fashion to the first, with an early try to scrumhalf Simon Gregg, who darted across the line, providing Matt Brandon an easy conversion to take the Tigers into the lead.

With Easts looking like securing their second victory for the year, the excitement at David Wilson Field was brought to a thundering halt as Jones crossed for his second with just seven minutes remaining.

The late try secured the bonus-point victory for Bond placing the Gold Coast side just two points behind GPS on the ladder.

Bond University 26 (B Jones 2 tries G Qasevakatini W Skips tries M Third 3 cons) d Easts 21 (AJ Campbell S Gregg D Skelton tries M Brandon 3 cons)

GPS v Sunnybank

In the battle of fourth v fifth, GPS welcomed Sunnybank to Yoku Road, and the home side began their chase of the top four sides with a hard fought 30-26 victory.

Wearing pink jerseys for the Ronald McDonald House charity, GPS got the point-scoring underway with an early penalty to former golfer Rika Batibasaga, before outside centre Todd Winkley crossed the chalk to extend the lead to eight.

The Gallopers were swiftly brought to a canter as Dragon’s winger Ryan Menzies streaked away for a long range try leaving numerous defenders in his wake

The wiry winger crossed for a double moments later and handed Sunnybank a 14-8 lead as the teams headed into the sheds.

In the second half, Batibasaga got his side back into the match with an early penalty and a try off the back of some brilliant running Rugby from the Jeeps backline.

Five minutes later, Ballymore Kid Junior Laloifi showed exceptional speed on his way to an impressive 60 metre try, ensuring a tight finish.

But GPS’ forwards showed a diverse range of skills late in the match with a sneaky lineout play creating the space for Michael Richards to cross over.

Before some inspiring defence and a rock solid scrum held on to seal the important victory for the Gallopers.

GPS 30 (M Richards R Batibasaga T Winkley tries R Batibasaga 5 pens) d Sunnybank 26 (R Menzies 2 tries G Blomfield J Laloifi tries J Strachan 3 cons)

Brothers v Norths

In the local Northern derby, the Eagles suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to Brothers at Hugh Courtney Oval.

Norths opened the scoring with a long range 40 metre penalty goal to Michael Burke before Charlie Freney put the Brethren in front with the first try of the match.

Shortly before the break, Burke again found himself with a penalty shot and the fly half seized the opportunity to claw back Brother’s lead to one.

After half-time, the Brethren extended their lead through tries to lock David Findlay-Henaway and Sam Grasso, who burrowed over to take the score to 17-6 with 20 minutes remaining.

But the Eagles were determined and when lock Apisai Naiyabo went over and reduced the deficit to six, an upset was well and truly on the cards.

With 80 minutes up, Norths had one last shot when Garrath Ryan crossed the chalk and gave the Eagles the opportunity to steal a memorable victory at home.

There would be no fairy tale finish for the Eagles however, as the kick sailed wide handing Brothers the one-point victory.

Brothers 17 (D Findlay-Henaway C Freney S Grasso tries M Felsman con) d Norths 16 (G Ryan A Naiyabo tries M Burke 2 pens)

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