Qld Red victorious in U16 championship
Queensland Red has beaten Queensland White 29-10 in the final of the ARU National 16’s Championships at Nudgee College, to claim the Rod Macqueen Shield.
Running with the breeze in the first half, Queensland White applied the pressure early in the match and were rewarded with a successful penalty goal to Keebra Park State High's flyhalf Dion Taumata.
Queensland Red hit back with a try to opposing flyhalf Cayden Matehaere from Nudgee, gliding through the defence to score next to the posts. Matehaere converted giving the Red team a 7-3 lead.
Queensland White replied almost immediately with a try to Connor Foley from a clever kick through from Taumata. Taumata then successfully converted off the up-right to nose ahead 10-7.
The remainder of the first half was an arm-wrestle, both teams disrupting ball from set piece with neither team able to gain full control of the contest.
Queensland Red stated their intentions in the second half right from the kick-off, making a clean break with the final kick through being cleaned up by Queensland White winger Conrad Brown, from Southport School.
The weight of possession continued in Queensland Red’s favour, with Matehaere kicking a penalty to even the scores at 10 all.
Queensland Red continued to pile on the pressure, attacking close to the try line. In the end, it was Queensland Red scrumhalf Matt Lucas who came on as a replacement at half-time, who provided the spark. Darting from the back of the ruck, the Gregory Terrace product dived over under the posts. Matehaere converted to make the score 17-10.
Queensland Red’s third try came from yet another turn-over from Queensland Red open-side breakaway and captain, Liam Gill, from Gregory Terrace. The ball was quickly transferred to a flying Matt Garland (outside centre, State High) who ran 30 metres to score in the corner.
Despite being behind on the scoreboard 22-10, Queensland White continued to chance their arm at every opportunity. Gladstone State High's Queensland White winger, Liam Law, looked dangerous, slicing through the defence off a kick return, only to be foiled by great cover defence by Matt Lucas.
Queensland Red put the final nail in the coffin a moment before full-time, with Churchie fullback James May scoring in the corner, the try converted by Matehaere.
In a further boost for the home sides, flanker Liam Gill was later announced as the Player of the Tournament.
