Reds up and running

Phil Mooney's Queensland Reds got their 2008 Super 14 campaign off to a winning start with a 22-16 victory over the Highlanders in Brisbane on Friday.

The Reds, who finished bottom of the 2007 standings, showed that they will be more than a handful under their new coach.

Aside from two very dubious calls from the television match officials the Reds were full value for the win at Suncorp Stadium.

In the second half the Highlanders pack seemed to get the upper hand, as the Reds tired, but a 12-3 half-time lead proved to be just the buffer the Reds needed.

Controversy

The Reds made a strong start to the match and were duly awarded for their endeavours in the 16th minute, when captain John Roe barged his way over the line from close range. Winger Clinton Schifcofske added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Schifcofske then stretched his team's advantage to 12 points, but it was a controversial award by the television officals after replays suggested the ball had not been grounded.

That score sparked the New Zealanders into life, but despite dominating possession and territory they were only able to add fly-half Daniel Bowden's penalty to their score before half-time.

The Highlanders picked up where they left off after the break and their control of the ball eventually told as Bowden slotted his second penalty in the 56th minute to make it 12-6 in favour of the Reds.

Dubious

But the match officials again conspired to give the Reds a questionable try in the 61st minute after Roe had crossed the line for a second time. TV referee Marius Jonker awarded the try despite inconclusive footage and Schifcofske's conversion made it 19-6 to the Reds.

Paul Williams' penalty kept the visitors in contention though and Highlanders number eight Adam Thomson then pounced for a try after the Reds had messed up their line-out five metres from their own line. Mike Delany kicked the conversion and narrowed the deficit to 19-16 with six minutes remaining.

But Berrick Barnes missed a drop-goal attempt with two minutes remaining and Schifcofske kicked a penalty in the dying seconds to seal the win and ensure the Reds got off to a winning start in Brisbane.