Goalkicker Ben Cornish never knew it at the time but his nerveless penalty goal on opening night would clinch something far bigger for the Townsville Brolgas at the Queensland Country Championships.
Flyhalf Cornish's 35m success from almost in front on full-time snatched a 25-24 victory over Downs Rugby last Friday night at the championships in Townsville.
By Sunday afternoon, further wins over Central Queensland (27-10) and Far North Queensland (35-14) made it clear that "the final" had been played in the opener by the two standout teams.
"I didn't realise at the time but that was the kick that probably won us the tournament. If that had been Sunday in the last game, with the fatigue of three games in three days, I reckon I would have felt the pressure a lot more," Cornish said.
"If anything, the pressure on that kick was the whole crowd going silent. I like a bit of noise around. It was a relief more than anything when that kick went over.
"It was a weekend to remember for everyone. We only came together a few weeks before but something like this really brings you together as rugby does."
Cornish, 26, is typical of many Queensland country products. Born in Airlie Beach, he headed to Brisbane from Proserpine State High to second and third grade with Wests Bulldogs. A civil engineering job landed him in Townsville and he's brought his years of experience to the Brothers club.
The Brolgas harnessed some excellent performances from key players in a strong team performance to win the Country Championships, as Townsville, for the first time since 2002.
There were players who won the trophy as part of the North Queensland side a year ago but this was a Townsville win in Townsville to make it all the sweeter.
Centre Ethan Coope was a punchy ground-gainer in attack and winger Hamish Cassady was an outstanding new addition who showed his ability to beat defenders with a 50m kick-return try against Downs. Fijian veteran Filipe Tabu represented Ingham with class and energetic halfback Jeremy Morton came off the bench for two tries to deal with FNQ.
Up front, back-to-back 80-minute games was a huge shift for lock Toby Paynter while a string of lineout steals by partner Liam Osborne set the early tone against CQ. Strong scrummaging and ball-carries from prop Jon Salee were a feature.
"We played our best rugby in the second half of all three games. Some good combinations came together for us and we played the windy conditions well in that opening game when it really counted," Townsville coach Brent Mitchell said.
"I would have almost called it a 30-point wind so to hang tough in the first half was vital. With the wind at our backs, we started the second half with 17 points in the opening 12 minutes. The wind was a big factor and Ben did a lot of good tactical kicking to go with that important penalty goal at the end."
All 27 players in the Brolgas squad featured.
The Brolgas women's team made it a championship double with victories over Downs Rugby (29-15) and Central Queensland (40-0).
Teenage winger Siena Tabacchi crossed for a hat-trick against CQ which reflected the advantage of speed out wide that the Brolgas went to so often. Fellow winger Ellie Jenkins scored another against CQ.
"Getting the ball to our pace on the edge really paid off. Credit to Downs Rugby. Their scramble defence was outstanding because they twice saved situations when we got over their tryline and couldn't get the ball down," Townsville women's coach Campbell Yates said.
"Siena on the wing and Sienna Mccallum at halfback are both still in their teens so we had a really good mix with rising players playing alongside girls who have already played for Queensland Country."
Hooker Zahra Shadbolt was a standout with her strong ball carries and set piece work. Co-captains Layla Fujii and Julia Douglas led well.
