It was the first time former Whites coach turned Royals coach, Wayne Southwell and former Royals two-time John I Dent best and fairest winner turned controversial Whites import Soakai Tai faced their former clubs- and it was a must-watch grudge match that did not disappoint.
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Queanbeyan Whites came out victorious, holding out a strong Royals assault in a nail-biting seven-point victory at Campese Oval on Saturday.
The Royals, coming off a 10 to 0 loss to Wests were looking for redemption and the Whites were looking to continue their faultless start to the season.
Both teams raced out of the blocks and were particularly fierce and physical, but a converted penalty by Mitch Douch put the Whites in front early.
The Royals looked to respond quickly, but an unsuccessful penalty goal attempt proved to be a crucial missed opportunity by the visiting side.
Douch crossed the chalk after a solid run down field to take the home side to 10 to 0, 25 minutes into the match.
Good movement and quick passes from the Whites found Anthony Bozzato an opening behind the try line and the Royals were down an alarming 17 to 0.
A quick penalty try from the Royals narrowed the Whites lead slightly before half time.
The Whites stopped their opponent from scoring a try in the first half for the second consecutive week, going into the second half with a 14-point lead.
Whatever Royals coach Southwell said at half time must have kicked them into gear- it took less than a minute for the Royals to score and the Whites lead was back to an uncomfortable seven points.
But Whites captain Dan Penca stepped up to steady the boat for the home side, finding the gap to give 12 points of breathing room again.
Whites import Soakai Tai uncharacteristically dropped the ball close to the goal-line as he attempted to put the game almost out of reach from his former club.
The Royals hit back with a try to bring the contest back to a five-point ball game with 15 minutes to go.
Queanbeyan secured former Sydney-based outside centre, Lani Tiatia during the week and he proved his worth as he found a gap and dived over the chalk.
But the Royals were quick with a reply to tie up the game 24 a piece with just over seven minutes to go.
The Whites and Royals wrestled for what seemed like an eternity before the Whites Jamie Marmont found a gap and all but secured the win for the home side.
The Royals managed to get a late bonus point penalty conversion, but it was too late and the Whites ran out eventual winners 34 to 27.
Whites coach Adam Fahey said the match was “tense” and “had a lot of sub plots”, but was overall happy with his boys performance.
“It was a good learning curve for our young team to see what we’re capable of,” he said.
“It’s always a great rivalry between the Whites and the Royals, we have a great respect for each other and it’s always close.
“But we scored five tries which was a positive and four out of five came from our backs our defence was outstanding.
“I was very pleased with the character shown by the club on and off the field.”
Toby Wilson, Soakai Tai, Lani Tiatia had the best performances in the win, Fahey said.
“I thought Toby Wilson played well and Soakai,” he said.
“Lani Tiatia was excellent and Aiden Kenworth defended well in a new position.
“And it’s always good to have your captain (Penca) back- he always gives 100 percent.”
Royals coach Southwell coached Fahey before he retired and the pair coached together before Southwell took a number of players, including Whites captain, Dan Penca to play in Canada under Southwell’s leadership.
Legal action is still being considered for former Royal Soakai Tai after defecting to the Whites in the off-season.
The Royals are seeking compensation for visa payments after recruiting Tai to Canberra in 2008, but will wait for Queanbeyan to respond to its concerns.
Fahey said while the controversies surrounding the match may have stepped up the intensity the Whites were “just looking to play footy”.
“We just wanted to focus on the game, as far as Queanbeyan Rugby Union Club are concerned it’s done and we’re moving on,” he said.
The Whites will have a bye in the first game back from Easter, so will not take to the field again until April 18 when they play Wests at home.
“I’m happy with how we’re tracking, but we have a big month coming up and areas to improve on- we have to work on our restarts and our composure, sticking to a plan over long periods,” Fahey said.
“It’s enjoyable to go into Easter with a couple of wins, but one step at a time though, let’s not get carried away.”
