Round 8 - Reserve Grade: Early Eagles points not a concern as Queanbeyan get last laugh
by Brodie Campbell
The Queanbeyan Whites Reserve grade side managed to overcome back-to-back tries in the first 10 minutes of their contest with the Gungahlin Eagles, to snag a come from behind 24-22 victory on Friday night.
In what was a crucial contest for the Whites in the fight to get their season back on track, they were not doing themselves any favours from the opening kick-off, with the Eagles crossing for two tries in the first 10 minutes to take an early 10-0 lead.
The momentum seemed to be completely in Gungahlin’s favour, as they were able to find cracks in the defence with ease and keep the pressure on, with some desperate scramble defence by the Whites being the only thing preventing them from scoring.
The Whites would soon be rewarded for holding them, as they were able to secure their first points of the game through a Mitchell Bell try in the 18th minute, before another five-pointer to Mark Tiuru-Beni on the stroke of halftime evened the score at 10-all.
Momentum had shifted in the Whites’ favour, and the start of the second half showed that it was beginning to frustrate the opposition. After a small scuffle broke out just one minute into the second half, the Whites were given a penalty and converted that opportunity through a second Mitchell Bell try to give them a 17-10 lead.
Gungahlin kept themselves in the fight, scoring a try in the 48th minute to bring the lead down to two points, before Samuel Pack sprinted over soon after to give the Eagles a 22-17 lead with just over 20 minutes remaining. The game would take a final turn in the 64th minute, as a try to Luke Tudulu and conversion by Jack Negus, gifted the Whites with a 24-22 lead, and off the back of some excellent defence in the final 10 minutes, the Whites secured their third victory of the season.
The win sees Queanbeyan jump to 3rd on the ladder, keeping themselves in the final’s conversation as the halfway point of the season approaches. However, the most satisfying element of Friday’s victory, was that Whites fans were given some due justice for their 50-36 loss to the Eagles in the opening round of the season. The Whites will now enjoy their weeks rest with the bye in Round 9, before travelling to Phillip Oval for an away match against the Canberra Royals.
Tries: Mitchell Bell (2), Mark Tiuru-Beni (1), Luke Tudulu (1). Conv: Jack Negus (2)