North Lakes Kangaroos escaped a late scare against a gallant Brothers Juniors at Griffin Sports Complex, sneaking home 26-16 in the Rugby League Brisbane Open 3 men’s competition on Saturday.
With the torrential rain lashing about the southeast, conditions for both sides were tricky, however they both put on a fine effort considering the ball was like a piece of soap.
The Leprechauns wasted no time in the early stages of the game, posting first points of the afternoon when they scored for a belter of a try in the ninth minute.
Centre Ephraim David’s scintillating try down the sideline set the tone for the youthful Brothers side as they drew first blood.
Ball control was playing havoc with both teams in the wet, but the game turned out to be quite entertaining nonetheless.
Kangaroos powerhouse second rower Gaugatao Malaetele Elive returned serve for the home side in the 17th minute, latching onto a superb pass from hooker Viki Nati.
The blockbusting backrower smashed his way through the Brothers defence to cross beside the sticks.
Brothers hit the lead again in the 25th minute of play thanks to their hooker Chelson Diggins, who pinched a sneaky four pointer lunging over from dummy half.
However, it was the Kangaroos Malaetele Elive causing the Leprechauns all sorts of problems out wide and he crossed for his second try of the afternoon sending the home side into the sheds leading 12-10.
North Lakes immediately picked up where they left off in the first half, setting up a superb try for forward Sol Tukuleva-Solomona.
The tireless prop barged his way down the blind side, taking three Brothers defenders with him over the line.
With the Leprechauns boasting what was a young side, they were not intimidated at all by the bigger Kangaroos pack and were superbly led by trio Sebastian Heselden, Liam Doorley and Lucas Phillips.
Kangaroos replacement Raymond Moala then got in on the scoring act, charging straight at the Brothers defence to power his way over under the sticks, sending the home side out to a 22-10 lead.
Nelson Savelio extended the Kangaroos lead in the 50th minute when he ran a nice angle to step his way over, planting the ball beside the posts.
However, the Brethren refused to raise the white flag.
With halves pairing Doorley and Josh Nevill continuing to frustrate the Kangaroos big men with their kicking game, they were continually turning the home side around in attack.
It paid off in dividends when the Leprechauns motored up field, snatching a late try in the corner.
But with the Kangaroos strong forward pack led by Malaetele Elive, Matapa Kalauta and nuggety hooker Viki Nati causing mayhem, the home side were simply too big and strong.
A late rally by the visitors nearly had them pinching a consolation try, but it was to no avail with North Lakes holding on in what was a see sawing game to grab the two points.
