VIC METRO has scored a gritty six-point win over Queensland in the NAB Under-18 Championships at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.

With Queensland yet to record a victory in the competition, a goal from Vic Metro forward Sam Ezard with one minute remaining handed his side its second win of the carnival – 8.7 (55) to 7.7 (49).

Metro was wasteful in the first quarter – having six scoring shots to two – and led by nine points at the first change.

After a team-lifting chase and tackle on the wing by Joseph Daye and with Todd Grayson finding plenty of the ball, Queensland was able to cut the margin to just two-points.

But a sloppy free-kick on the half-time siren to Ayden Kennedy gave Metro momentum at the main break.

Michael Thompson provided some excellent dash from defence for Metro in the third quarter to keep his side in control. Josh Toy also provided some spark with an excellent running goal just before three-quarter time to increase the lead to 14-points.

With both Josh Thomas and Alik Magin working tirelessly in their forward 50, Queensland could sense an upset brewing.

After early goals to Daye, Matt Flower and Rory Thompson, Queensland reduced the deficit to just two points.

But with scores level, it was Ezard who took a strong mark over his opponent from 40m out to seal the win for Metro, which faces South Australia at Docklands on Wednesday.

Queensland will look to get its first win against Northern Territory.

Vic Metro     2.4   4.5   6.6   8.7 (55)
Queensland     1.1   3.3   4.4   7.7 (49)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Moore, Hicks, Toy, Kennedy, Jones, Hoegel, Purcell, Ezard
Queensland: Fowler 2, Thompson 2, McIvor, Thomas, Daye

BEST
Vic Metro: Scully, Toy, Hoegel, Melksham, Talia, Jacobs
Queensland: Lock, Daye, Harley, Grayson, Fowler, Smith

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.