Interstate Challenge Match a Draw but NSW Retains the Shield

The annual NSW Universities Vs Queensland Universities Interstate Challenge was played at Suncorp Stadium on Monday 11 April 2011, the match resulting in a 20 all draw.

Played as a curtain-raiser to the Broncos Vs Knights NRL Monday Night Football game, torrential rain just prior to the kick off and drizzling rain throughout, saw plenty of dropped ball and the game was not able to reach the high standard usually displayed when the two states come together.

The Blues dominated the early stages and were unlucky not score in the opening minutes when winger Daniel Cray dropped the ball over the line and soon after big front rower Francis Tuigamala barged over only to have the referee declare the pass he received from dummy half to be forward.

First points of the match came to the Maroons at the 10th minute when half back Rhys Matsen made the most of the few opportunities his side had in possession to cross wide out. But the Blues hit back straight away when a try to centre Sam Kennedy levelled the score 4-4.

Some willing defence from the home side forced NSW to relinquish possession in the wet conditions and capitalising on better field position, Maroons front rower Dennis Conlon strolled over under the posts with 12 minutes on the clock. An easy Matsen conversion gave them a 10-4 lead but it was only breifly held, the Blues hit back from the resumption of play when Liam Zollo weaved his way through the defence on a 40 metre run that took him over the line. His try was converted by fullback Anthony Don and the teams went to the break at 10 all.

The Maroons started the second half with an early try to sneak to a 14-10 lead but some brilliant kick and chase work by Blues winger Hillal Kara-Ali resulted in him forcing the bouncing ball just inside the corner of the touch in goal and dead ball line with finger-tip control. A Don sideline conversion put the Blues in front for the first time and another sideline break by Kara-Ali soon after had hooker Dan O’Neill backing up to score wide out. Don’s conversion missed this time but with only 10 minutes remaining the Blues suddenly held a commanding 20-14 lead.

With less than 3 minutes to go the Blues worked themselves into position for five eight Ben Lindegaard to pot a field, but in the slippery conditions the ball slewed off the side of his boot and was gifted back to a desparate Maroons side. Two plays later they had made their way to the other end of the field, front rower Dan Sleeman steamrolled his way over near the posts and Matsen’s conversion gave his side the draw.

Liam Zollo received the NSW Players Player match ball and lock Cameron Woo was awarded NSW’s best player, whilst Queensland second rower Darcy Wright received his team’s best player award. Man of the Match, awarded by the Australian Universities Team selectors, was presented to Maroon’s Dan Sleeman.

The AURL Team to play the touring Great Britain Students team in June/July was announced at the after match presentation, details on the AURL website.

The NSW Universities team was as follows:

1. Anthony Don

2. Daniel Cray

3. Mitch Seaton

4. Sam Kennedy

5. Jake Byrne

6. Ben Lindegaard

7. Michael Gavan

8. Francis Tuigamala

9. Dan O’Neill

10. Khan Salamalakis

11. Simon Lakis