The South East Queensland Division’s pre-season Under 16s challenge series got under way last Saturday, with Round 1 hosted at Nerang on the Gold Coast; with all three of the Brisbane teams failing to record a win from their three games in a surprise result.
Brisbane Red did manage to share the match points with Ipswich after the teams fought out a draw to kick-off the series.
They scored a try apiece in the first half, with the junior Diggers leading 6-4 at the break.
Both sides added another try in the second half, but a Brisbane conversion levelled the scores at 10-10, which was the final score line.
Gold Coast White shone in a polished first up performance, racing in four tries during the half to lead comfortably 24-0 at the break.
Brisbane Blue staged a mini-revival early in the second term to narrow the gap to 24-10, but Gold Coast studied three more tries for an easy 40-10 victory.
The final game between Gold Coast Yellow and Brisbane Grey started at a frantic pace, although mistakes did creep in as the humid conditions progressed.
Brisbane crossed for two tries in the first half to lead 10-6 at the break, but the second term was dominated by defence as the game flowed from end-to-end.
In an exciting climax, Gold Coast crossed late for a converted try and the Vikings managed to hang on for a thrilling 12-10 win.
The next round fixtures on Saturday, March 10 are:
Goodna RLFC
135 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna QLD 4300 Time
Brisbane Red v Gold Coast White 2pm
Brisbane Blue v Gold Coast Yellow 3pm
Brisbane Grey v Ipswich 4pm
Plus, Round 3 and 4 fixtures below:
ROUND 3
Saturday, March 17
Norths (Brisbane) JRLFC
Albert Bishop Park, Nundah Time
Ipswich v Gold Coast Yellow 2pm
Brisbane Grey v Gold Coast White 3pm
Brisbane Red v Brisbane Blue 4pm
ROUND 4
Saturday, March 24
Redcliffe RLFC
Klingner Rd & Ashmole Rd, Redcliffe Time
Ipswich v Gold Coast White 2pm
Brisbane Red v Gold Coast Yellow 3pm
Brisbane Blue v Brisbane Grey 4pm
