McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City lose to UC Vikings

Sep 12 • General News, International • 1243 Views • Comments Off on McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City lose to UC Vikings

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City have gone down to the University of Canberra Vikings 52-20 in Round 3 of the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship at Ballymore on Sunday afternoon.

In a rematch of last years’ grand final, the Vikings outscored City seven tries to three to claim the Horan-Little Shield. All of City’s tries were scored in the first half as they failed to execute in the second 40.

Brisbane City’s tries were scored by Isireli Naisarani, Nick Frisby and Chris Kuridrani. The Vikings were scored by Robbie Abel (2), Ojay Noa, Andrew Robinson, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter and Henry Speight.

City head coach Rod Seib said: “To say we’re disappointed in that performance is an understatement. We thought we started well and put them under a lot of pressure in the first half, but our discipline and skill execution let us down badly in the second half. The team is stinging quite badly from that because we know it’s far from what we’re capable of. There’s plenty to work on between now and next week.”

The home side opened the scoring five minutes into the match with a try to Isi Naisarani but the Vikings levelled shortly after with a lineout play that created the space for Abel to score in the corner.

City reclaimed the lead after being awarded a penalty inside the Vikings 22. Frisby took a quick tap and caught the Vikings defenders napping for City’s second try.

But the Vikings responded through Number 8 Noa, before winger Robinson split City’s defence from inside the Vikings’ 22 and ran 80 metres handing the Vikings a 22-12 lead.

The visitors looked like heading into half-time with a 10-point lead but with just over two minutes remaining in the half, a loose pass was pounced on by Kuridrani who reduced the Vikings’ lead to two points.

Immediately after half-time, Abel bagged his second to extend the Vikings’ lead before an extended period of time where no points were scored. City had ample opportunity in this period but couldn’t turn pressure into points.

With 15 minutes remaining in the match, Kuridrani was sent to the sin bin and the Vikings capitalised with a try to replacement backrow Butler. It put the wheels in motion for the visitors and Carter crossed for another try before Speight put the nail in the coffin with the final try of the match.

City are at away next weekend against the Melbourne Rising at Harlequins Rugby Club on Saturday 17 September at 3:00pm.

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 20 (Isi Naisarani, Nick Frisby, Chris Kuridrani tries; Jake McIntyre 1 conversion) defeated by UC Vikings 52 (Robbie Abel 2, Ojay Noa, Andrew Robinson, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Henry Speight tries; Isaac Thompson 3, Henry Speight 1, Nick Jooste 1 conversions) at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday 11 September.