JGC continues as Gold Coast Juniors hold out Central Queensland in testing conditions

Wed, Feb 26, 2014, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Week two of the inaugural Junior Gold Cup has brought with it a keenly fought battle between Gold Coast and Central Queensland U17s teams.

Patches of rain did little to cool the Gold Coast player’s feet as the home side out ran Central Queensland, 8-3 in sweltering conditions to win the match.

The score line however did not reflect the quality of play, with a spectacle of running rugby and brutal defence on show at Helensvale Rugby Union Club.

With the two teams locked 5-3 at the break, Central Queensland conceded just one penalty in the second half as they continually refused the home side a second try.

The scrums were a talking point of the match with Gold Coast coming undone in the latter stages of the game and coach Dereck Todd has recognised that it is an area for improvement.

The Central Queensland team gave it their all in the last quarter, taking it to their opposition and running every penalty which was thrown their way.

Injured Gold Coast vice-captain Chase Perkins lauded the physicality of his team as he watched on from the sideline.

“The boys played well in their match, dominating most of the first half. They were physically all over the opposition.

“It was a great match. The team has many positives and negatives to work on for the next game.”

Lineouts were the play of the night with both teams disrupting each other’s ball as the second half brought on the reserves in droves, with both coaches trying to find an edge over one another.

The Gold Coast Junior U15’s side were equally impressive, notching up a convincing 32-5 win over Central Queensland to complement a successful weekend for the home side.

The Gold Coast contingent is now rewarded with a week off before they take on Western Australia on Saturday the 8th of March.

Share
Force 'heart and soul' Pomare set to reach rare Super W milestone
Michael Hooper is excited about the challenge of playing Sevens in Hong Kong. Photo: Nick Holland/RA Media
'Rookie' ex-Wallabies skipper Hooper ready to step up Sevens unknown
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham
'It's pretty hard to leave an environment like this': Jorgensen eager to commit future to Waratahs