The QUT Trouts remain the only undefeated team after the opening five rounds of the Universities Rugby League Queensland competition, thanks to a nail-biting 14-10 victory over the Gold Coast Griffith Panthers.
In what is becoming an annual grudge match against the grand final combatants of the past two seasons, it looked as if the Panthers had the visitors measure, but a 67th minute try to Trouts winger Zaheer Esat saw the QUT boys come from behind to steal the points.
Livewire five-eighth Joshua Meninga took out the QUT man of the match honours just ahead of forward Brandon Cox, while the Panthers left side pairing of Nathan Land and Matt Beaton were a constant menace all night for the Panthers.
The Griffith Dragons recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season courtesy of their 48-28 victory over the ever improving competition new boys, the Griffith Logan Steamrollers.
In a game dominated by exciting attacking raids, it was the Dragons backline that paved the way for the victory, with Mishek Rusere, Rhys Brady and Nigel Craig enjoying a good night out, while Joseph Heri and Luke O’Donnell were solid for Logan.
And the USQ Ironbarks have moved into outright third position thanks to their 64-16 rout of the UQ Gatton Bulls.
Jay Melrose had a field day for the Ironbarks scoring five tries in a powerful display, while Michael O'Keefe continued his great season by adding another 18 points to his season tally.
Gatton will now have a shot at redemption when they host the Griffith Dragons next Wednesday night, with all teams then enjoying the mid-semester break.
After a hard-fought first 5 rounds, the URLQ competition is set to continue on Wednesday 1st August.
QUT Trouts 14 (Joshua Meninga, Trent Richardson, Zaheer Esat tries; Jordan Thom goal)
Defeated
GC Griffith Panthers 10 (Nathan Land, Matthew Beaton tries; Josh Campbell goal)
Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay
Griffith Dragons 48 (Elisha Kiddie 3, D Toomua 2, Elijah Kiddie, N Craig, T Petaia, Rhys Brady tries; Rhys Brady 6 goals)
Defeated
Griffith Logan Steamrollers 28 (T Gilles 2, Joseph Heri, Turua Masters, C Bizirana tries; Luke O’Donnell 3, T Bootii goals)
Griffith University, Nathan Campus
USQ Ironbarks 64 (Jay Melrose 5, Jordan Heidke 2, Ellis Jenson 2, Tristan Law, Michael O'Keefe tries; Michael O'Keefe 7, Peter Green 2, Ellis Jenson goals)
Defeated
UQ Gatton Bulls 16 (Josh Heck, Hugo McMicking, Dean Bichel tries; Josh Heck 2 goals)
Courtney Rugby Oval, Gatton
NEXT ROUND: August 1
Griffith Logan Steamrollers v Griffith Dragons – Griffith University Nathan Campus, 7pm
Griffith GC Panthers v QUT Trouts – Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay, 7pm
UQ Gatton Bulls v USQ Ironbarks – Courtney Rugby Oval Gatton, 7pm