Sports

Maroons red-faced at touch
By Cpl Tim Asher

Edition 1167, May 31, 2007
 
Passing success: Sgt Christian Campbell, 1 Sig Regt, looks to fire a pass to a support player before Manly’s Steve Bell and North Queensland Cowboys’ star Johnathan Thurston can close in on him.
Photo by Cpl Tim Asher
THE Brisbane Army Area Touch Association did what few other soldiers or civilians will ever do when they produced an upset 3-2 win against the Queensland Rugby League State of Origin at Enoggera on May 17.

However, the Maroons hit back in the second contest between the two sides to win 3-0 and restore some pride.

The first of the two 20-minute matches began at a frantic pace, with Cpl Walsh, a PTI at 2HSB, scoring the first try in the opening minutes.

The Maroons weren’t quite prepared for such a well-drilled opposition, and the frustration became apparent with numerous penalties against the Queensland team for being offside, which resulted in North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb being sent off late in the opener for repeat offences.

Referee and PTI WO1 Marty Turner said the skill level of the soldiers was good – they stepped up and performed well.

The other two tries were scored by LCpl Josh Woo, 6RAR, and Sgt Josh Brandon, 4MP Coy.
LCpl Woo was the Army’s best player in both matches.

In the return encounter, the Maroons fielded an almost exclusive backs outfit.

Broncos back-rower Tony Carroll showed good pace to score an almost length-of-the-field try.

Capt Phil Corkeron, 2HSB, the Army team’s player/manager, said both games were played at a fast pace and in great spirit.