National 18's
DAY 3 ROUND MATCHES SUMMARY |
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| Day 3 at the 2005 National 18's Champs was just a prelude to the excitement of grand final day, as the crowd were treated to a number of close matches that determined quarter final positions. MENS DIVISION: In the Mens divisions the day started with the Mets easily accounting for NSWCIS 14-3 and remaining undefeated in pool three and ready to challenge for the title. For the Mets Ben Moylan and Dean Springfield are both leading the competition with 9 touchdowns each, along with Maurice Kennedy (NSWCHS), Ryan Shibasaki (NQ) and Tom Ainslie (Crusaders). In other pool three matches NQ and the Eagles were fighting for a quarter final berth and after the slow start the Eagles kicked into gear, coming from 4-1 down to tie it up at 5-5 mid way through the second half. The game had some of the most brilliant pace seen in the tournament so far, with the speed and step of the Indigenous players on both sides creating many opportunities. They traded touchdowns for the next ten minutes before NQ scored with a minute to go to win 8-7 and virtually finish the Eagles dreams of making the top eight. The Crusaders also recorded a good win, 8-5 over the ACT who have struggled throughout the tournament but still look to be giving 100%. In pool one the Southern Suns finished top with a 7-2 win over NSWCCC, while QSST finished off very strongly against a struggling Tasmania 18-1. For Tasmania however, they did make the QSST defence work hard on several occasions but seem to lack to experience to finish off their opportunities. In pool two NSWCHS survived a scare from a spirited SunCoast who led 2-1 at half time, before NSWCHS ran away 7-4 for the win in the second half. Central Queensland secured a quarter final spot with a 6-1 win over South West Queensland. WOMENS DIVISION: The Womens division also provided the crowd with some thrills and spills, as the ACT and NSWCCC fought for a quarter final berth behind QSST in their pool. THE ACT missed several opportunities late in the second half and finished on the wrong end of a 5-4 result for them, but showed they have what it takes to challenge sides such as NSWCCC and even QSST. SQBD and SWQ played out a 2-2 draw in pool three, which is still being led by the Hunter Western Hornets and is being dominated by drawn matches. QSST remained undefeated in pool one, a 16-0 win over Northern Territory setting them up for a strong finals campaign. NSWCCC also finished well in pool one with a tough 5-4 win over ACT and an easy 15-0 win over Crusaders. NSWCHS finished their round matches comfortably winning 9-1 over Rebels, while NSWCIS grabbed a quarter final position for the first time in history by drawing 5-5 with NQ. By Rachel Moyle |
