Late O’Connor penalties end Reds’ 11 match drought

TWO penalties in the last five minutes from flyhalf James O’Connor enabled the Reds to pip the Waratahs 32-26 to end an 11 match win drought against their fierce rivals in the opening match of the Australian Domestic competition at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane yesterday.

The scores were deadlocked at 26-all when O’Connor stepped up to break the deadlock in the 75th minute with his first place-kick of the match after taking over from the luckless Bryce Hagerty.

The Reds fullback had received a couple of opportunities to put the Reds into the lead, but made a hash of his efforts from the tee, even with relatively easy attempts.

The experienced O’Connor by contrast was cool and collected as he slotted the three pointer that gave his team the lead.

The Reds played the final five minutes in the right side of the field, which is the best way to ensure you protect your lead. Sure enough, on the stroke of full-time they forced a penalty that O’Connor kicked to seal the win and spark the Reds jubilation. For them it has been a long time in coming.