ID :
43389
Fri, 01/30/2009 - 21:00
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/43389
The shortlink copeid
Reds lose trial 26-24 to Blues
Queensland's Reds fought back from 26-14 down to match the Blues in the try count but not on the scoreboard, losing their trial match 26-24 on Friday night.
Both Super 14 sides scored four tries but the visitors missed with a last minute
conversion attempt that would have secured a draw.
Reds coach Phil Mooney was satisfied with the result, seeing enough progress despite
some rustiness certain facets of play.
"The signs are very promising," Mooney said. "If we limit the turnovers we'll be
much better."
Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper revelled in his return match, threatening the defence
almost every time he had the ball.
He was happy with his first game back and said he couldn't wait for the competition
to start.
"We've stepped up another level on last year, you could see out there today how far
the boys have come compared to this time last year."
After a fumbling opening by both sides the Blues were first to score when fullback
Paul Williams capitalised on some missed tackles inside him to cross in the corner.
As well as being over-anxious with their passing, the Reds also overdid the kicks,
several times putting the ball out on the full.
The bright signs began to emerge midway through the half when Cooper's passing
became more precise.
He put Braid into a gap with a last minute, pinpoint pass and then followed that
with another to wing Digby Ioane that caused trouble for the defence.
Cooper finally opened the scoring himself when he wrestled his way over the line
after a jinking run and then a deft Cooper chip kick gave Anthony Faingaa a try
under the posts.
Cooper's second conversion gave the Reds a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Blues tied it up again just after halftime when the Reds were a man down,
captain Greg Holmes yellow carded for what referee Garrett Williamson decided was
one team foul too many.
Giant backrower Jerome Kaino crossed and Michael Hobbs converted.
Wing Rene Ranger put the Blues into the lead with a try when the Reds were back to
full strength and Taniela Moa scored their fourth to put them out to 26-14.
Reds No.8 Leroy Houston pulled one back when he followed a jinking run by
replacement wing Blair Connor but Cooper's conversion attempt was wide.
Some alert work by the Reds backs gave Connor room to again show his pace and
evasive skills to cross for the final try of the match. However the conversion
attempt by Ben Lucas missed and the Blues prevailed.
Both Super 14 sides scored four tries but the visitors missed with a last minute
conversion attempt that would have secured a draw.
Reds coach Phil Mooney was satisfied with the result, seeing enough progress despite
some rustiness certain facets of play.
"The signs are very promising," Mooney said. "If we limit the turnovers we'll be
much better."
Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper revelled in his return match, threatening the defence
almost every time he had the ball.
He was happy with his first game back and said he couldn't wait for the competition
to start.
"We've stepped up another level on last year, you could see out there today how far
the boys have come compared to this time last year."
After a fumbling opening by both sides the Blues were first to score when fullback
Paul Williams capitalised on some missed tackles inside him to cross in the corner.
As well as being over-anxious with their passing, the Reds also overdid the kicks,
several times putting the ball out on the full.
The bright signs began to emerge midway through the half when Cooper's passing
became more precise.
He put Braid into a gap with a last minute, pinpoint pass and then followed that
with another to wing Digby Ioane that caused trouble for the defence.
Cooper finally opened the scoring himself when he wrestled his way over the line
after a jinking run and then a deft Cooper chip kick gave Anthony Faingaa a try
under the posts.
Cooper's second conversion gave the Reds a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Blues tied it up again just after halftime when the Reds were a man down,
captain Greg Holmes yellow carded for what referee Garrett Williamson decided was
one team foul too many.
Giant backrower Jerome Kaino crossed and Michael Hobbs converted.
Wing Rene Ranger put the Blues into the lead with a try when the Reds were back to
full strength and Taniela Moa scored their fourth to put them out to 26-14.
Reds No.8 Leroy Houston pulled one back when he followed a jinking run by
replacement wing Blair Connor but Cooper's conversion attempt was wide.
Some alert work by the Reds backs gave Connor room to again show his pace and
evasive skills to cross for the final try of the match. However the conversion
attempt by Ben Lucas missed and the Blues prevailed.
