Western Australia has suffered a heartbreaking two point loss in their first game of the 2012 U16 National Championships at St Ignatius College, Sydney.
WA started well after stealing Queensland’s lineout and driving the ball 20 metres short of their try line before Gus Taylor darted through the ruck defence and ran the ball over for the first try of the match.
Queensland regathered and after some hard work in WA territory were rewarded with a penalty kick which was successful to take the score to 5-3 in WA’s favour.
Another penalty for Queensland put them ahead 5-6 but consecutive penalties for Joseph Simpkins and Hershelle Classen from WA saw them in the lead again with a six point buffer.
With five minutes remaining in the second half, Queensland scored a converted try which put them in the lead 13-11. WA had the chance to kick a 50 metre penalty with two minutes to go but it fell agonisingly short and the scores remained 13-11 when the final whistle blew.
WA will now take on New South Wales tomorrow, Tuesday 2 October in their second game of the championship.
Western Australia 11 (Tries: Gus Taylor, Pens: Joseph Simpkins, Hershelle Classen)
Queensland 13