The Griffith Dragons have defeated the UQ Hounds in a thriller, taking a 24-22 win.

In one of the best moments of the season, the Dragons scored a match winning try in the very last play of the game, highlighting the teams character and fighting spirit as they enter into the finals series.

The Dragons fell behind early, 4-0 after just five minutes. However, they hit back 5 minutes later thanks to a kick from prop-turned-five-eighth Devante Ioane in the 10th minute, which was finished clinically by Fraser O’Neill.

In the minutes following, the Dragons had a lot of the ball in good areas. Good defence and handling put a lot of pressure on UQ, who eventually conceded to an Izzy Fulton try, giving the Dragons a 10-4 lead in the 29th minute.

However, UQ were able to cut the deficit to two as they scored right on half time. The Dragons led 10-8 at the break.

The Dragons came out of the blocks firing in the second half, with Corey Baker scoring in just the fourth minute of the half to make it 14-8.

However, as was the case for the whole match, the Hounds kept in touch, scoring 10 minutes later. Another unsuccessful conversion meant that the Dragons retained the lead.

With just 11 minutes to go, an Alex Samuel try seemingly had the game locked up for the Dragons, with a handy 20-12 lead to defend with only 10 minutes to spare.

However, a determined UQ side scored twice in 3 minutes to rip the lead away from the Dragons, who suddenly found themselves trailing 20-22 with no more than five minutes to play.

Not to be outdone, however, the aforementioned match winning try, scored by Warao Kaeok, saw the Dragons take home the victory.

Speaking after the match, Dragons Club President Austin Mann was immensely proud of his team’s performance.

“I just couldn’t be prouder of what the boys did out there tonight,” he said.

“We’ve had a few out with injury and the like so to see the team put in the brave performance they did… it’s a great win to have just before finals.”

Mr Mann was impressed with how the team was able to adapt in spite of some adversity.

“We had blokes playing extra minutes and in different positions, so to still come away with the win is very pleasing.

“For example, our two in the halves were outstanding, as was the whole team. I cannot fault anyone.”

Mr Mann is very excited about the prospect of a Dragons win in the finals next week, and is calling on all members of the Griffith community to come and support the boys.

“It’s going to be a great game.

“Given how our team played tonight, I’m sure they’ll have a lot to give next week against QUT.

“We want to see the sidelines painted in red on Wednesday night.”

The Dragons must-win clash will be played at the fields at 140 Bulimba St, Bulimba QLD 4171.

Every member of Griffith University or the Dragons is encouraged to go down and support the players in the do-or-die match.

The match will be played on Wednesday 27 August. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.