Queanbeyan Kangaroos record miraculous comeback win over Bulls
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos have recorded an astonishing comeback on the full time-whistle, downing the Gungahlin Bulls 24-22 at Gungahlin Enclosed Field on Saturday afternoon.
In a back-and-forth match which saw both teams lead by at least two tries, a late run by the Kangaroos was enough to collect an important two competition points.
Despite Gungahlin putting the Kangaroos under some early pressure it was the Queanbeyan side who got the scoring underway.
After a nice passing sequence on the right-hand side, it was Reece Robinson who was able to cross over for his first of the day, giving the Kangaroos a 4-0 lead in the seventh minute.
It didn’t take long for Queanbeyan to go over for their second, this time at the hands of Michael Cullen. The second rower was able to crash over in the 12th minute, collecting the ball five metres out before breezing through the Bulls defence.
The Roos could not convert, leaving Queanbeyan with an 8-0 lead after the opening 15 minutes.
The away side continued to pile on the pressure, forcing numerous line dropouts over the following 10 minutes. They ultimately couldn’t capitalise, instead giving away two penalties to hand Gungahlin optimal field position.
The Bulls took the opportunity, with centre Kieran Reilly collecting an offload close to the line from Tre Holten-Williams before scoring in the 25th minute. Lucas Thomson was able to kick the conversion from the sideline, leaving the score at 8-6 in the 27th minute.
Things begun to quickly turn the way of the home side when Queanbeyan five-eighth Robert Sheffield was sent to the sinbin in the 29th minute for a professional foul.
The Bulls were able to capitalise on the advantage, finding space on the right-hand side of the field. A passing sequence between halfback Isaac Walker and Thomson found Earldric Pehara in some space, with the winger making no mistake.
Despite missing the conversion, the Bulls would lead 10-8 in the 31st minute, quickly turning the match on its head.
They would extend their lead with only two minutes left in the half, again exploiting an ill-disciplined Roos defence. After playing a hand in the first two tries it was Thomson himself who would finally get one of his own, finding a hole after a beautiful pass from Walker.
Thomson would convert his own try, leaving the Bulls up 16-8 at half time with Queanbeyan having work to do to get back into the match.
After setting up two in the first half it was Walker himself who would give Gungahlin the perfect start to the second period, fending off multiple Queanbeyan defenders before crossing over for his first in the 44th minute.
Thomson would convert yet again, giving the home side a 22-8 lead in the 45th minute.
The Roos were able to score a much needed try seven minutes later, after Sheffield put in a perfectly weighted kick for fullback Thomas Williams. He was able to breeze through the Bulls to score, leaving the Kangaroos trailing 22-12 in the 53rd minute after another missed conversion.
The comeback felt well and truly on when an Aiden Agnew break down the right-hand side left Gungahlin short on numbers, with Agnew himself receiving the ball just two tackles later close to the line.
Despite having multiple defenders on him he was able to score in the 63rd minute, with James Horvat’s first conversion of the game seeing the deficit reduced to just four at 22-18.
Despite both teams having chances to win the game it was ultimately Queanbeyan halfback Lachlan Ingram who grabbed the game for his side, breaking through a tired Gungahlin defence to score directly under the post as the full-time hooter sounded.
With the scores level at 22-all, Horvat was able to convert from directly in front to give the Kangaroos a miraculous victory, their second of the season.
Queanbeyan will be looking to continue this momentum when they come up against the inform West Belconnen Warriors next weekend, whilst Gungahlin Bulls will be looking to get a much-needed win against the high-flying Woden Valley Rams.
