THE Griffith Logan University Redbacks have claimed their second Universities Rugby League Queensland title in as many years, beating powerhouse Queensland University of Technology 18-12 at Davies Park this week.
But it took a huge comeback from the Logan boys to get over their city-based rivals.
QUT jumped out to a flying start in the grand final, scoring the first try of the match after defending Logan out for an extended period of time.
They were able to convert the goal, taking the side to a 6-0 lead.
After a lengthy stalemate with both sides missing golden opportunities, QUT finally began building pressure on the Griffith Logan side, going on the attack inside their 20-metre zone.
After three tackles, a well-worked backline movement from QUT that shifted to the left was enough to slip past the big defenders, taking a 12-0 lead into oranges.
Both sides came out for the second half like they did in the first, ready for a fiery battle of attrition.
When two wingers came together, a push and shove sparked the Redbacks into form as both five-eighths spent 10 minutes in the sin bin.
Logan went downfield and used their brute strength to rack up two very quick tries on the depleted QUT side, who were dropping like flies across the ground.
At 12-12, the QUT side gave away too many penalties that allowed Logan to go on the attack again.
Player of the Grand Final Joshua Afoa managed to barge his way past multiple defenders before offloading for his side to score the crucial blow.
As the siren sounded the Redbacks were overcome with emotion in the middle of the field with the realisation that they had won back-to-back URLQ titles.
Stoic QUT captain Kurt Dobbin said after the match he enjoyed the strides the quality of the URLQ competition was making.
“I have played this comp for four years, and it was good back then, but now it is even better,” Dobbin said.
Logan captain and Queensland University Residents rep Tyrone Girle said he had faith in his side throughout their roller-coaster campaign that saw them just qualify for the finals in fourth position.
He already has his sights on the 2015 title.
“Let’s go back to back to back next year,” he said upon accepting the trophy from URLQ President Martin Unicomb.
Griffith Logan University Redbacks 18 (Taniela Ilangana, Ben Ah-Sam, Dwayne Urquart tries; Javann Atu-Daniel 3 goals) defeated QUT Trouts 12 (Alex Nicholson, Tevita Senituli Peu tries; Richard Kay 2 goals) at Davies Park, West End.
