It’s always a close tussle when traditional rivals Euros and Warrigals do battle and Saturday’s game at the Mount Isa Rugby Grounds was no different.
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It was a game that see-sawed with both sides having periods of dominance and it was a game in which the result was not decided until the very last kick.
Warrigals were fastest out of the blocks with a strong breeze behind them in the first half though some of their kicks were too long.
But after a cagey opening, the Dingoes were first across the line with Nick Cooke crossing in the corner to make it 5-0.
Due to the heat they played 20 minute quarters and the second quarter belonged to the Euros who lifted their game to score two tries and lead 12-5.
Warrigals thought they had a try right on half time but the referee disallowed it.
Euros, the defending 2017 premiers played more effectively with the breeze in the second half and slotted home two quick penalties to extend their lead to 18-5.
But back came Warrigals, with Craig Lansdowne using his speed to great effect.
In one play Lansdowne picked up the ball after a kick deep in his own 22 then slalomed his way past four tackles before having to pass to Darcy McDonald.
But Lansdowne was ready to get the ball back to slot home under the posts in a contender for try of the season.
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He wasn’t finished and a few minutes later scored again and suddenly it was 19-18 to Warrigals.
The last few minutes were a slog as Euros desperately pushed forward again in search of victory.
As they piled on the phases, eventually Warrigals made a mistake in the last minute just 30 metres out in front and the ref awarded a penalty.
Euros slotted it home to win the match 21-19 in a thriller.
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