Round 8 - Colts: White hot first half the difference as Queanbeyan get round one revenge against Eagles

by Brodie Campbell

The Queanbeyan Whites have kept their ACT Vets Colts Cup hot streak alive, securing a fourth consecutive victory with a 38-26 win over the Gungahlin Eagles at Campese Field on Friday night.

There were plenty of question marks surrounding how the Whites would come into the contest, given their earlier showdown with the Eagles back in round one ended in a 32-17 loss. However, any fears of history repeating itself were quickly overcome, as a kick charge down led to prop Lochlan Smith crashing over for the White’s first try just 30 seconds into the game.  

From there, it was all one-way traffic for our boys as they dominated the first half, scoring 32 unanswered points and applying constant defensive pressure to take a commanding 38-0 lead at half time. Smith crossed over for another 5-pointer in the ninth minute to give himself an early double, along with Nate Hepi who also scored two tries.

The second half was a different story, as Gungahlin mounted a fightback against Queanbeyan’s brick wall defence, breaking through to score a trio of tries in quick succession, including one to fly-half Sam Chapman who scored three tries for the match. Despite some nervous moments amidst the late comeback, the Whites managed to hold firm and keep the opposition at bay when it mattered, maintaining their double-digit lead until the final siren.

The result sees Queanbeyan propel themselves into second place on the ladder, and off the back of a sluggish start to the season, now see their season record sit at 4 wins and 2 losses. The Whites will get to enjoy the bye this weekend, before returning to action for a showdown with the Canberra Royals on June 21st, in the hopes of making it five wins on the trot.

Tries: Lochlan Smith (2), Nate Hepi (2), Lowame Turagaluvu (1), Kye Darmody (1).  Conv: Zane Glanville (4)