Led by ACT No 1 Tim Manning, Queanbeyan was forced to bring in two reserves for the contest with Craig Farrell and James Rusk both going down in five sets. Queanbeyan 2 has lost its opening two encounters and the club is yet to register a win in the premier division this season.

Following the recent defeats, Manning said the decision to field a second team in ACT’s top tier division would result in short term pain for long term gain.

‘‘It’s certainly watered down the strength Queanbeyan has had in the premier division over the last couple of seasons,’’ he said.

‘‘But fielding two teams gives some of the younger guys more of a chance to play premier grade than they would have in the past.

‘‘It opens division one up. Rather than just having the same four guys playing each week you’ve got new guys coming in and that’s what the club is trying to do, to keep people engaged.’’

Queanbeyan 1 faces a daunting task to get its season back on track next week with the side taking on the unbeaten Dickson 2 at the University of Canberra on Tuesday.

The team has already suffered a major blow with number two player Greg Manning ruled out for at least the first half of the season with an ankle injury. His spot will be taken by Rusk.

Queanbeyan 2 should face an easier task of getting their first win on the board against a winless Dickson 1 side.