ACT men open with a win against Queenlsand

ACT had a successful start to the National Championships, beating Queensland 22-21 (11-10 at half time).  It was only the second time in the history of the National Championships that the ACT has beaten Queensland.  The ACT started with an excellent rhythm in attack, with early goals to Hunter, Ivankovic and Orsatti but was punished in defence, receiving a succession of 2 minute suspensions. Nonetheless, thanks largely to some superb goal-keeping by Curtis Eitzen, they went into the break with a slender one goal lead.

ACT gradually took control of the game in the second half, as Ivankovic, put an indelible mark on the game through efficient attacking and strong defence. Eitzen built on his performance of the first half, finishing with the man-of-the-match award. In the crucial final stages of the game, Queensland came back from a four goal deficit to reduce the margin to three, and then two goals. Again Eitzen proved to be the difference, saving a penalty with less than two minutes left. Lawrence scored his only goal for the game on the turn over before the ACT wound down the clock in the final 30 second to register a memorable victory.

ACT will now face the home team Western Australia for top-of-the ladder clash in Group two. In group one Victoria cruised through to register a comfortable victory over South Australia.