Round 10 - Colts – Scintillating attack at its sparkling best as Whites make it five on the trot
The Queanbeyan Whites have kept their red-hot form over the last month going, as they produced yet another incredible display of attacking football with a statement 46-21 victory over the Canberra Royals in their ACT Vets Colts Cup showdown at Phillip Oval on Saturday.
The Whites have produced some excellent rugby over the last few rounds, bouncing back from a 0 and 2 start to the year and weaving together a four-match winning streak to claw their way into 3rd spot on the ladder. Coming fresh off the bye, the Whites picked up where they left off just five minutes into the contest when a beautiful left side shift led to Romeo Asbock scoring the game’s first points. Roff’s try quickly gave the Whites the opportunity to showcase their elite attacking football once again, as they were quick to post another two tries through Kye Darmody and Lowame Turagaluvu to extend their lead to 15 points.
Brimming with confidence, the Whites kept the pressure on as a wonderful team try occurred in the 28th minute with a race 80 metres downfield to give Turagaluvu his second try for the match, whilst Ryan McElroy snagged a five pointer on the stroke of halftime to give the Whites a 29-0 lead at the break.
The good fortunes continued for Queanbeyan in the second half, as a yellow card against a Royals player in the opening two minutes saw the Whites playing with a one-man advantage, an advantage that they would quickly exploit as another left hand shift gifted Ryan McElroy with his second try for the game.
The Whites chances at holding their opponents to zero were sadly dashed just a few minutes later, as Royals were able to steal one back in the 42nd minute to finally get on the scoreboard. Despite the large lead, there was a slight concern of history repeating itself from two weeks ago when Queanbeyan had led Gungahlin Eagles by 38 points but conceded 26 unanswered points in the second half to give themselves a scare of being on the receiving end of a miracle comeback.
Leading 36-7, it became apparent the Whites had to be the next to score to properly seal it, and their prayers were soon answered when Xavier Tuli crossed over to score in the 61st minute and give the Whites an unassailable 43-7 lead. Despite some late consolation points by the Royals, Zane Glanville would put the icing on the cake for the visitors, kicking a penalty goal in the final minute to complete a dominant 46-21 victory.
The win brings Queanbeyan to within three points of 2nd spot on the ACT Vets Colts Cup ladder, bringing their season tally to five wins, one draw, and two losses.
The next test in keeping their finals hopes alive comes in the form of the winless Western District Lions, as the Whites will travel down to Jamison Oval on Saturday to extend their winning streak to six.
Tries: Lowame Turagaluvu (2), Ryan McElroy (2), Xavier Tuli (1), Kye Darmody (1), Romeo Asbock (1). Conv: Zane Glanville (4). Penalties: Zane Glanville (1)