University of Queensland begin their Centenary Year on a high with an exciting 42-26 victory over Sydney University in the Australian Club Championship at Ballymore on Sunday.
The Red Heavies overcame a slender 18-17 halftime deficit to pile on five tries in the annual Club Championship grudge match played between the Queensland Premier Rugby and NSW club rugby champions.
Winger Steve O’Leary racked up an impressive 22 points individual scoring tally in a highly entertaining and extremely physical encounter played in perfect rugby conditions in front of a healthy and vocal Ballymore crowd.
Former Students lock, turned QAS Reds Academy lock David McDuling made an impact every time he touched the ball for QLD Uni while Sydney Uni scrumhalf and captain Matt Schwager tried hard in a polished 80 minute display.
QLD Uni centre Ryan Gilliman scored the opening try of the match in the 15th minute before Sydney Uni, with the benefit of a strong wind at their back in the opening half, edged their way to the lead with tries to James McMahon and Willie du Plessis.
A try on the stroke of halftime to QLD Uni hooker Scott Kelly and just after the break to Academy flyer Simon Morahan saw the home team regain a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Both teams traded tries and penalty goals in the later stages before a length of the field intercept try to Red Heavies replacement Tom McQueen capped of the special win.
The victory was the third straight by Queensland Premier Rugby teams in the ACC with Brothers and Easts beating Sydney University the previous two years.
University of Queensland 42 (Ryan Gilliman, Steve O’Leary, Scott Kelly, Simon Morahan, Tom McQueen tries, Steve O'Leary 4 cons, 3 pens) def Sydney University 26 (James McMahon, Willie du Plessis, Harry Marples tries, Angus Roberts con, pen, Danny Kroll 2 pens)