Given the opportunity, the mildly successful Qld U18's jumped at the chance of playing a one-off game against the touring Bishop Challoner school from Birmingham, England. Having posted two wins from five games in the recently contested Australasian Championships, the team were enthusiastic about playing another game together, particularly against international opposition.

Being the Challoner school's first tour game, the Queensland gameplan was one reliant on making use of their superior height advantage and physical style of play, and this tactic appeared to work early for the home side. The Queenslanders posted two points in the opening minutes of play through fourteen year-old sensation Brandon Leadbetter and tough forward Mick Scruton. Both these players are from Aussie Rules backgrounds and their anticipation of the high ball left the English shell-shocked temporarily. Despite the great start, the Queenslanders were more impatient than normal and failed to keep positional shape in the first half, particularly when their opponents had possession. This was disappointing, as this is something the team hadn't been guilty of during the State Championships.

Within ten minutes the tourists found their feet and started to show their superior Gaelic Football skills, with the pick-up and solo performed to perfection. This, coupled with deadly accurate kicking gave the Challoner boys a 0-6(6) to 0-2(2) lead at the half time break. Whilst the Queenslanders were forced to make tactical and positional changes to try to save the game, their English opposition had to simply repeat their first half performance to secure the victory.

To say the home side came back after the break looking like a different team is an under statement. With improved determination at the loose ball and more courage than shown in the first half, Queensland managed the opening two scores of the second half to bring the game back to within two points. Despite the improved showing, the tourists were once again able to showcase their skills and pulled out to a seeming match winning lead. A spectacular goal to forward Shane McNamara put Qld back into the match but it was to be the boys from Birmingham who would get the result. Final score of 0-11(11) to 1-4(7) was a fair indication of the game.

Outstanding performers for the Queensland side were Goal keeper Goran Mihic, who kept a "clean sheet", Backline star (and Qld minors Best & Fairest) Jack Dixon, Laurie Bere and Chris Woods. Highlight of the game was the fact that the opposition were unable to score a goal and the Qld players response to instructions at half time being followed "to the letter". The Qld Minors of 2005 are unique in that their isn't a single "ball hog" amongst them. Every player is a team player and all have a great future ahead in Gaelic Football.

Dov Hirst (Qld Minors Coach).