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Message: [QUOTE="Big Pete, post: 2720137, member: 1899"] STATE OF ORIGIN GAME #2 QUEENSLAND 16; NEW SOUTH WALES 6 at Lang Park Big Queensland prop Sam Backo played the game of his life to spearhead the Maroons to their second win – and the State of Origin crown for 1988. In the days leading up to the match, doubts emerged over whether he met the qualifications to represent Queensland in the State of Origin football. But even though they were clarified, Backo was intent on proving his worth to the Maroons and at the same time driving another nail in the Blues’ 88 asipirations. This was not a spectacular, free-running contest like so many Origin matches, but a grafting duel of the forwards, which turned Queensland’s way after a spiteful brawl in the second half. The brawl sparked an ugly can-throwing incident which forced a break in playing while the cans were removed. NSW prop Phil Daley clashed with Maroon’ hooker Greg Conescu and several players rushed in. Referee Mick Stone despatched Daley, Conescu and Wally Lewis, the third man in, to the sin bin. The parochial Lang Park crowd responded with a hail of cans. The disruption proved an effective tonic for Queensland, who looked tired and frustrated beforehand. Backo surged his way over the line for Queensland to lead 10-6 soon after and then just four minutes from fulltime Allan Langer ran off a reverse Conescu pass to seal the victory. Early in the match Michael O’Connor put NSW ahead with another of his remarkable individual tries and he looked one player capable of breaking the game wide open. Again the Queensland forwards paved the way for victory. With Backo leading, fellow Martin Bella was aggressive and powerful and lent wonderful support. NSW’s big men Phil Daley and Steve Roach weren’t far behind in the up-front power game. It was an absorbing tussle that hung in the balance until the final minutes but again the Maroons finished with the goods. QUEENSLAND 16 (Backo, Langer tries; Belcher 4 goals) defeated NSW 6 (O’Connor try; O’Connor goal) Queensland Gary Belcher, Alan McIndoe, Peter Jackson, Gene Miles, Tony Currie Wally Lewis ©, Allan Langer Martin Bella, Greg Conescu, Sam Backo, Wally Fullerton-Smith, Bob Lidner, Paul Vautin Reserves: Brett French, Trevor Gillmeister New South Wales Garry Jack, John Ferguson, Mark McGaw, Michael O’Connor, Andrew Ettingshausen Terry Lamb, Peter Sterling Phil Daley, Ben Elias, Steve Roach, Wayne Pearce, Steve Folkes, Paul Langmack Reserves: Paul Dunn, Des Hasler [/QUOTE]

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