The Australia Post Queensland Scorpions put up a brave fight, but were eventually overpowered by unbeaten TAC Cup side Geelong Falcons by 32 points in a grinding duel at Fankhauser Reserve last weekend.
The Scorpions started brightly and were more efficient in their forward forays, holding the Falcons goalless in the first term and opening a nine-point lead at quarter-time.
The Falcons quickly regrouped and held the Scorpions to just three behinds in the second term, before blowing the game apart with a four-goal-to-one third term.
The visitors were victors 8.17 (65) to 4.9 (33), their ability to run and support teammates proving overwhelming in the decisive third quarter.
Queensland applied enormous tackling pressure throughout, but lacked the polish of their high-flying rivals.
Aaron Laskey was Queensland’s best player, collecting 20 possessions in a midfield role and applying a whopping 11 effective tackles.
Scorpions key position player Nathaniel Congoo mastered the blustery conditions better than most, taking a game-high four contested marks and had 19 possessions for the day.
It could have been an even better return for the Redland Bombers senior player, who finished with 1.3 in front of goal.
Midfielder Adam Oxley, one of his side’s best in the previous week’s win over Greater Western Sydney, was again prominent as his team’s leading possession-winner with 17 kicks and five handballs.
Tall utility Sam Michael was lion-hearted in the ruck against Jai Sheahan and Jay Lever, winning his share of hit-outs and collecting 13 possessions around the ground.
Nathan Reid tackled strongly in defence, while Joel Wilkinson laid eight effective tackles to go with his 20 touches.
Last Modified on 10/05/2010 12:58