Junior Waratahs too good at Viking Park
The Brumby Runners have been beaten 40-10 by the Junior Waratahs at Viking Park this afternoon.
The match was in the balance through the first half with the visitors holding a 14-10 lead at the break before piling on four second half tries to run out 30-point victors.
It was the NSW side that drew first blood following two tries through driving mauls from lineouts within the first 10 minutes. Scumhalf Brendan McKibbin had a strong day off the kicking tee and converted the opening two tries from near the sideline.
The Runners gained the upper hand through the second quarter of the match and converted the pressure into points when lock Hugh Pyle crashed over in the 31st minute and No.8 Ita Vaea stormed over three minutes from half time.
However, the ACT side were dealt a cruel blow in the 38th minute when replacement flyhalf Tim Cornforth suffered a broken leg in what was the only injury for the Runners.
Cornforth's injury sparked a series of unfortunate events for the Runners, compounded by the sin-binning of flanker Colby Fainga'a one minute into the second term. The Junior Waratahs took advantage of the one-man overlap with winger Nemani Nadolo crossing in the corner for another converted try.
Despite his indiscretion, Fainga'a and fellow flanker Michael Hooper were among the best for the Runners while the centre pairing of Ed Stubbs and Andrew Smith continually asked questions of the NSW defence.
MATCH DETAILS
Junior Waratahs 40 defeated Brumby Runners 10 (Hugh Pyle, Ita Vaea tries; Jesse Mogg 0/2 conversions, 0/2 penalty goals) at Viking Park, Canberra.
Half time: Junior Waratahs 14-10
