Queensland too strong

Press, 27 June 1983, Page 8

Queensland too strong

NZPA Brisbane Queensland played its best rugby of the season to defeat Manawatu by 25-11 at. Brisbane’s Ballymore Oval yesterday. Queensland led 13-4 at half time, but the visitors closed to within two points before the home side ran away with the game. The Queensland wing, Brendan Moon, was in top form scoring two of his team’s five tries. The first came in the opening minute of the match, when Moon took a high kick and flashed through to score a try under the posts. Michael Lynagh converted and Manawatu were six points behind, seemingly before they were even aware the match had started. Chris Roche scored another try for Queensland and Lynagh added a penalty before the firsthalf ended, while the Manawatu hooker, Bruce Hemara, scored a try’ after a five-metre skirmish to keep the tourists in with a chance. Manawatu began the second spell with a new lease of life, and after the centre, lan Wood, burst through the defence for a try and Matene Love kicked a

penalty, the score had narrowed to 13-11. But Queensland’s backline responded with unconverted tries to Moon, Ross Hanley, and Andrew Slack, to bring the final score to 25-11. Queensland suffered a string of injuries in the match, with Slack, Hanley, and Lynagh, being treated for bruises while David Hillhouse needed six stitches in a facial wound.