A defiant late game comeback by the QAS Reds 2nd XV wasn’t enough to overcome Fiji in a 27-26 thriller at Ballymore on Saturday night.
The Reds 2nd XV looked certain to snatch victory when Easts Premier Rugby flyhalf Matt Brandon slotted a penalty goal in the 79th minute to put them ahead 26-24.
But a mistake from the kickoff and an ensuing penalty goal from Fijian fullback Taniela Maravunawasawasa saw the visitors snare the victory after the fulltime siren had sounded.
Despite the narrow defeat the Reds 2nd XV showed plenty of poise in coming from 24-13 down late in the match with many players putting in dominant performances.
St.George Reds flanker Liam Gill was outstanding in producing another high energy game in defence and at the breakdown, where he produced many crucial turnovers at pivotal moments in the game.
QAS Reds Academy inside centre Jono Lance also looked dangerous in attack while lock David McDuling constantly got the Reds 2nd XV over the advantage line with some powerful runs.
The hitout in hot and humid conditions against a large and well drilled Fijian squad is sure to pay dividends when the Reds 2nd XV take the field against Samoa at Ballymore on Wednesday night (kickoff 6:30pm local). Spectators will again receive free entry to the match.
The match ended three tries apiece with Reds 2nd XV members Lei Tomiki, Ian Prior and Luke Morahan all crossing the paint.
Prior’s try came in the opening half following two dynamic touches from winger Dom Shipperley down the right flank, while Tomiki opened the scoring with a close range effort.
Brandon finished with eight points and was also responsible for their final try when he put in a deft grubber kick for Morahan close to the line.
The Reds 2nd XV is made up of select St.George Reds, members of the QAS Reds Academy and Wider Training Squads, and standouts from the Premier Rugby competition.
2011 QAS Reds 2nd XV Schedule – All games kickoff at 6:30pm local time
Wednesday, February 23 at Ballymore: QAS Reds 2nd XV v Samoa
Monday, February 28 at Ballymore: QAS Reds 2nd XV v Tonga
Saturday, March 5 in ACT: QAS Reds 2nd XV v Brumby Runners
Fiji 27 (Setefano Samoca, Viliame Veikoso, Rupeni Nasiga tries, Taniela Maravunawasawasa 3 cons, 2 pens) def QAS Reds 2nd XV 26 (Lei Tomiki, Ian Prior, Luke Morahan tries, Matt Brandon 2 pens, con, Dallan Murphy pen)
