Norths v Souths Hugh Courtney Oval 3:00pm - 17/4/2010
27	Round 02	36

Souths withstood a late charge by a determined Norths to win 36-27 and claim the inaugural Vietnam Veterans Cup, at Shaw Road, in Round Two of Queensland Premier Rugby.

Magpies captain and flanker Chris Johnson was instrumental in Souths’ victory and received Man of the Match honours for his standout performance that saw Souths dominate possession and the breakdown.

Norths trailed 27-29 with 20 minutes to go, having clawed their way back into the game with some well constructed phases and fantastic running rugby.

However poor discipline let them down and continual ruck infringements pushed the referee’s patience too far, with a yellow card being issued to Norths’ hooker Dan Sutherland.

With the extra man advantage, the Magpies punished Norths’ forwards and ran away with the game.

Souths coach Dan McKellar was pleased with the result, after the Magpies narrow loss to GPS.

　"Norths are good side and we’re really happy to come here and get the five points," he said.

"I felt that our boys had their heads on today and that if we could just get territory and maintain possession that we’d win the game.

"I think our execution was a lot better than it was against GPS last round, although we still have plenty of improvements to make, especially at the breakdown," he said.

Norths seemed unable to get into the rhythm of the match and Souths’ veteran fly half John Tabrett and Johnson cannily exploited the open side and setup three tries to lead 15-0 early on.

However the Magpies early attacking raids failed to bury the home side, as Norths and QR Reds livewire Blair Connor set up two tries in quick succession to equalise the scores at the break.

Norths showed a strong improvement at the breakdown in the second half and fullback Michael Bond was an unsung hero in defence, but they were not able to maintain enough quality possession as Souths forced continual turnovers.

Norths’ assistant coach Lew Price was candid in his assessment of the match.

"It was pleasing that we got some territory and got some late tries, but it wasn’t enough," he said.

"Souths are a Premiership side and that’s the benchmark we must meet if we want to succeed."

Price is confident that Norths will bounce back next round.

"I think we’re a very competitive side and I’m looking forward to the game against GPS," he said.

At the end of the match, Vietnam Veterans Association President John Smith presented Souths captain Chris Johnson with the Vietnam Veterans Cup and Man of the Match award.

"We are very honoured and proud to be involved," said Mr Smith.

Norths are hosting Ladies Day and will play against GPS next Saturday, at Shaw Road.

Souths 36 (P Fou, B Hamlin, F Manu, K Sitauti 2, J Turner tries B Hamlin 3 con) bt Norths 27 (B Connor, M Bond, J Samoa, E LaMotta tries L Samoa pen, 3 con)

Match report by Kieran Creagh