Defending Uni Premiers Win Tight Season Opener
26/04/2013 9:11:30 AM
The USQ Ironbarks have commenced their quest for back-to-back premierships with a hard fought victory over the QUT Trouts in the 2013 Universities Rugby League Queensland season opener.
The URLQ competition kicked off with a massive triple header at Griffith Nathan Campus on Anzac Day, with a large crowd treated to some fantastic rugby league on a picture perfect autumns day.
The defending premiers struggled early but deserved their tough 22-16 victory over a spirited Trouts outfit, with USQs Melrose boys leading the charge for the visiting Ironbarks.
In a tight and see-sawing tussle, it was the Trouts that slipped out to an early 10-4 advantage, before three straight tries from USQ allowed them to open their account for the season.
The Griffith Logan Redbacks showed plenty of venom in their entertaining 26-18 victory over newcomers, the UQ Hounds in the days second game.
Logan backrower Eric Tulai was a constant menace crossing for two tries, while Josh Afoa and Nari Tamala showed plenty of bite for the Redbacks.
It was a solid return to the competition for the Hounds after a two year hiatus, with the new squad showing glimpses of flair for their first hit out.
And in the final game, an 18 point first half blitz from the Griffith Dragons saw them swoop into top spot after week one, recording a 22-4 victory over the Griffith Gold Coast Panthers.
After some willing opening exchanges, the Dragons clicked into gear with three quick converted tries to close out the first half, with the Panthers discipline preventing them from mounting any pressure.
Next Wednesday round two action sees QUT play host to the Hounds at Aspley, the Panthers head west to do battle with the Ironbarks, and the Dragons and Redbacks face off in an all Griffith affair at Nathan.
USQ Ironbarks 22 (Fraser McIntyre, Jay Melrose, Brogan Melrose, Russell Brikett tries; Brogan Melrose 2, Jay Melrose goals)
def QUT Trouts 16 (Mitchell Lewis 2, Johnny Pore tries; Richard Kay, William Senior goals)
Griffith Logan Redbacks 26 (Eric Tulai 2, Taniela Ilargana, Sam Tamala, Tim Ah Sam, Jerome Faraimo tries; Luke ODonnell goal) def
UQ Hounds 18 (Brendan Colley, Ben Tassell, Jake Patane tries; Lachlan Pill 3 goals)
Griffith Dragons 22 (Jack Thomas, Michael Cafe Tim Hiscock, Taylor Herniman tries; Ben Williams 2, Jack Thomas 2 goals) def Griffith GC Panthers 4 (Travis Drury try)
