RUGBY UNION: Throughout the 2015 John I Dent Cup season the Whites bounced back from their three losses with solid wins and Whites coach Adam Fahey is hoping history repeats itself when they use their second-chance lifeline in the preliminary final against the Royals on Saturday, August 1.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Queanbeyan weren't quite at their best against the Vikings on Saturday, 25 July, allowing the semi-final to slip through their fingers, but Fahey is putting the loss behind them and focusing on the coming weekend.
"It was a brutal contest [with the Vikings], we had our opportunities, but we lacked composure and in the second half we didn't play smart enough," he said.
"As a positive we've earned the right to a second chance, we always bounce back from losses, so hopefully we can do that again.
"To come that close [against the Vikings] is a positive."
Queanbeyan's man of the match Mitch Douch got the ball rolling early for the Whites, the Vikings responded with a couple of tries and snatched the lead away, but three consecutive penalty goals from Douch leveled the scores at 12-all.
The Whites were given a chance to break free of the Vikings stronghold just before halftime, Tuggeranong were reduced to 14 players after Sione Taula was sent off for stomping in the ruck.
But it was not to be, Tuggeranong stretched out to a 10-point lead with 15 minutes to go, Queanbeyan flanker Sokai Tai was strong throughout and came through when the Whites needed him, scoring to bring it back to a three-point game, but time did not allow the fairytale finish.
Queanbeyan have a 50 per cent win/loss record with the Royals, registering a seven-point win against them at home in round two, but losing by one at Phillip Oval in round seven.
It is always impor-tant for a team to be confident, but Fahey said it's a balancing act and important to take finals a week at a time.
"You've always got to be confident, but it's a fine line between confidence and arrogance," he said.
"Our defence was very physical and brutal [against the Vikings] and I think if we can repeat that this week we can win.
"We have to work on our composure and attacking options which let us down [against the Vikings], we'll try and keep the ball for longer and wear out our opponents.
"Douch, Sokai [Tai] and our front rowers did really well [last week].
"We'll be looking to our captain [Dan Penca] to step up [this week] and Keith Morgan- he's got the x-factor- he's been playing really well, but I want to see just how good he can be."
As far as taking down the Vikings in the grand final Fahey said the Whites aren't looking any further than the Royals.
"We're excited to play finals footy, it's what you work for all year, but you have to contain that excitement and focus," he said.
"If you start looking any further [than this week] you're not focusing on the moment."
