A determined Queensland Country side have defeated the Fiji Airways Drua 24-17 this afternoon at Churchill Park.

A frenetic start to the game saw both teams playing end‑to‑end for the first 15 minutes, looking for any opportunity.

Queensland Country posted the first points, with no. 8 Caleb Timu charging down a clearing kick on the Drua line, before regathering and scoring the first try of the game.

After a yellow card to Drua Lock Mataiasi Ucutabua in the 24th minute Timu crashed over for his second try to take a 12‑0 lead soon after.

The home team hit straight back, with some smart play opening the Queensland Country defence up through Drua captain John Stewart che as carried a couple of defenders over for their first points of the match.

The Drua’s tries were scored by John Stewart, Apisalome Waqatabu and Frank Lomani.

Queensland Country was leading with 12-7 at first half and doubled their effort in the second half that saw them jump to the top spot on the NRC table.

Queensland number 8, Caleb Timu who was instrumental scoring two tries for Country says it was a hard effort taking on the Fijian boys.

Meanwhile Drua Captain John Stewart says it was a tough and also a disappointing game for the Drua as there was a lot of handling errors by the boys.

Stewart adds that now they hope to pick up on their weaknesses as they shift their focus on their next match against the Sydney Rays.

The Drua will host the Sydney Rays at the ANZ Stadium at 4pm next Saturday.