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Fittler happier New South Wales evens State of Origin series
Updated: Tuesday June 12, 2001 4:10 AM
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Captain Brad Fittler scored two second-half tries Sunday as New South Wales evened the 2001 State of Origin rugby league series by defeating Queensland 26-8 before 70,000 spectators at Stadium Australia. Queensland, which won the opening game 34-16 on May 6, will host the third and deciding match on July 1 in Brisbane. Fielding seven fresh faces, New South Wales ran in five tries to one. After grinding out a 6-2 halftime lead courtesy of a lone try to Luke Ricketson in the 31st minute, the Blues rocked Queensland with three four-pointers in eight minutes shortly after the break. Jamie Ainscough crossed in the 44th minute when his heavy tackle forced Queensland center Darren Smith to lose possession close to his own line. The New South Wales winger swooped to take full advantage of his good work to score. Ryan Girdler's conversion gave the hosts a 12-2 lead. The Blues all but sealed victory in wet conditions in the 50th minute when Trent Barrett crossed after a controversial decision from referee Bill Harrigan. Harrigan ordered a scrum with a Queensland feed in the Maroons quarter but changed his mind and handed New South Wales the feed after heavy protesting from Fittler. Barrett scored from the ensuing set of six tackles. Fittler, playing a record 28th match for New South Wales, celebrated with a try of his own two minutes later after a strong burst from rookie forward Mark O'Meley. Girdler was again on target with the conversion to take New South Wales to a 22-2 advantage, but missed his final attempt after Fittler completed the rout with his second four-pointer in the 74th minute. Interchange center Chris Walker posted a consolation try which Queensland captain Darren Lockyer converted.
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