Round 15 saw the undefeated Goondiwindi Emus travel to take on the Highfields Redbacks. The game was always going to be a tough ask for a new team still trying to build their side and Goondiwindi were just too strong running in 14 tries to Highfields’ one with inside centre Sam Jobling scoring a hat-trick and halfback Will Gilbert nailing eight conversions to make the score 88-7 at Highfields Sports Complex.
The Gatton Blackpigs had the trek out to Condamine to take on the Cods at the renowned ‘Fish Tank’. The game was a battle of the forwards as both teams have big ball runners who they look to, to get themselves over the advantage line and get the opposition on the back foot. Condamine’s forwards were too classy for the young Gatton pack with three out of four of the Cods’ tries coming from the engine room in the forwards. Condamine dominated the majority of the game and walked away with a 29 to 12 victory at their home ground.
The Dalby Wheatmen hosted the USQ Saints on Saturday. USQ were determined to come away with a win, but Dalby had too much experience and handled everything USQ had to throw at them. Remaining composed, the Wheatmen knew when to strike as many opportunities arose and were taken with both hands, generally turning into points for the home side. Dalby captain James Wreford was outstanding in his side’s win running good lines and giving his side front foot ball to create a number of opportunities for his side and making it easier for them to get the win as they celebrated a 37-24 victory at John Ritter Oval.
The Toowoomba Rangers hosted cross town rivals Toowoomba Bears on Saturday, and it was the Rangers who started strong, putting three tries on the board early. The Bears struggled throughout the game and with a number of A graders having to play B grade beforehand as well, it was never going to be easy for the young side. They were down 36-nil at halftime as the Bears tried to find the energy to match a classy Rangers outfit. Unfortunately they couldn’t and Rangers continued to pile on the points. Young gun Clayton Clinch was outstanding with damaging runs from beyond the halfway line the young second rower found himself over the line for two tries. The Rangers backrowers in Rob Paterson, Matt Bougoure and Stu Bougoure were phenomenal in this ball game not giving an inch in defence but making many in attack as their side ran away 78-0 victors over a depleted Bears outfit.
