RUGBY LEAGUE: The Red Ants' victory over Cherbourg on Saturday night was a key win for the team over a tough side.

Tensions were high at the home of the Red Ants as the teams forced one another to step up their game.

The home team won the game 30 points to 16 and coach of the Red Ants Darren Geiger said the team's win was a testament to their strong defence.

"It's always good to beat Cherbourg, they are a tough side,” he said.

"It was a big improvement in our defence, there were some good shots by our boys and I'm sure some of the Cherbourg boys are pretty sore.”

The win proved that the team are continuing to improve this season.

"Something we want to base our season on is defence,” Geiger said.

Kingaroy got off to a strong start and were 10 points up at half time but Geiger said as the game became more intense the interruptions disrupted the flow of the game.

"It killed the game, constantly stopping,” he said.

"It got a bit heated there for a while and I think that was based around our defence being so strong.”

Kingaroy are the only side that have won against the Stags this season and Geiger said the team have been short of players since they played Nanango and will have a full side when they next face the team.

WEEKEND RESULTS

- Kingaroy 30 def Cherbourg 16

- Nanango 64 def Murgon 0

- Wondai had a bye