UQ defied a persistent Souths side on Saturday afternoon, running out 35-28 winners in a tense affair at Chipsy Wood Oval. 

Locked at 28-all in the final minutes after a seesawing opening half, a late try to Scott Gale sealed victory for the Heavies as they posted their second win of the season.

Queensland Reds hooker Josh Nasser scored a double for the Students, with Uni’s set-piece continuing to improve after last season, with Pat Morrey and Lachlan Stewart also finding the line. 

Despite the loss, Souths will arguably be the side who take more from the clash, the young Magpies demonstrating their ability to go all the way with the competition heavyweights. 

The hosts bench stocks were reduced by three by the 25^th minute due to head knocks to Jack Farrell, Elijah Kefu and Liam Fletcher, while winger KJ Lam suffered a broken leg late in the second half with the game on the line. 

21-year-old scrumhalf Jakob Morrison was among the home side’s best, scoring a try, while Brad Kelegai showed his class in his second game back after a season off. 

Souths head coach Todd Dammers was impressed with his side’s spirit against a tough UQ outfit.

“I was happy with our resilience,” Dammers said. 

“To lose three key players in the first 25 minutes to blue cards and then  KJ with a broken leg, we showed real character to compete. 

“The injury to KJ and that subsequent stoppage in play I think hurt our momentum. 

“It allowed a very good UQ side some time to gather themselves. That’s footy.”

Souths face Wests at Sylvan Road next weekend, while UQ will host Norths.