Reds clinch third straight win
Queensland Reds edged an 11-6 victory over Melbourne Rebels in Saturday's Super Rugby clash in Brisbane.
Last Updated: 10/03/12 1:09pm
Dom Shipperley scored the only try of the match as Queensland Reds edged an 11-6 victory over Melbourne Rebels in their Super Rugby clash on Saturday.
Shipperly crossed in the 55th minute for the defending champions and Michael Harris added two penalties, while Wallabies fly-half James O'Connor kicked all of Melbourne's points.
The visitors dominated both possession and territory during the first half, their forwards putting constant pressure on the Queensland scrum.
This, plus their dominance at the set piece, allowed O'Connor to boot his side into a 6-0 lead after 32 minutes from two simple penalties under the sticks.
Opposite number Harris had earlier ended his record streak of 24 consecutive successful kicks when he missed a 45-metre attempt at goal.
But the Queensland stand-off was bang on target just before the half-time whistle to put the Reds on the board and take them into the break trailing by three.
The try came 15 minutes after the restart when Reds skipper James Horwill stole a lineout and Will Genia looped a wide pass to the unmarked Shipperley, who went over in the right corner.
Harris missed the conversion but slotted a penalty eight minutes later to secure a third win in three matches for the Reds.
The Rebels, who finished in last place in the Australian conference last year have lost both their matches this season.
