Friday evening saw teenage boys play under lights at various venues. Selections for under 12,13,14, and under 16s for the local state championships are being made now. The teenage state championships will be held at Downlands College from July 5-7 and again in 2020. If your company is interested in sponsoring this incredible event, please head to www.downsrugby.com.au and get in contact to subsidise costs for our Downs Rugby stars with a generous sponsorship.
The 2019 Wagners Risdon Cup entered Round 7 last Saturday, in cold, blustery, five degrees with wind chill conditions. At Heritage Oval, the Toowoomba Bears hosted the Condamine Cods, in a spirited clash, with the Cods prevailing 20-8, to move up to fourth on the Wagners Risdon Cup ladder. The talk of 2019 is the highly-improved Roma Echidnas, who travelled to USQ and their defence stood strong, holding the Saints to 0, while piling on 18 points for another impressive win. The Echidnas maintain their hold on second position, behind the reigning Wagners Risdon Cup 2018 premiers, the Goondiwindi Emus, whom at home at Riddles Oval, put on a display with seven 'meat pies'. Lachlan Tulloch and Shane Hassett both bagged a double.
Goondiwindi Emus 50 defeated Dalby Wheatmen 5. At Gatton, the Highfields Redbacks put on their best performance of the season with 24 points, losing in a gallant fight to the Blackpigs 41-24.
Wagners Match of the Round this Saturday, May 18, is hosted at Roma Rugby Races Day, before heading back to Gallas Fox Park for second placed Roma Echidnas against the third placed Toowoomba Rangers.
After a fortnight of rest and recuperation, round 2 of 2019 Emilee Cherry Cup - Open Women's Sevens was hosted at the home of the new club to the competition, St George Filly Frillies, at Rowden Park, and the reigning two-time champion Toowoomba Bears at Heritage Oval. St George defeated Toowoomba Bullettes 43-0, also defeating USQ Saints 19-7, before succumbing to Condamine Codettes 0-36. The Condamine Codettes also impressed with victories over Toowoomba 'Rangers' Bullettes 45-0 and USQ Saints 38-5. At Heritage Oval, Dalby Wheatchix defeated Gatton Blacksows 24-12, Bears defeated Gatton 42-5. From this snapshot, there are some teams on the up and up in 2019, and others have areas to work on.
Last Sunday was also round 3 of the Youth Girls Sevens at two locations: Bulldog Park, Chinchilla and USQ in Toowoomba. Note the finals round 6 has been moved forward to Saturday June 16, to be clear of term two holiday break. This Saturday is the Bears Junior Carnival at Downlands College featuring 88 games of junior rugby for under 5 to under 12 boys and girls from Highfields to Dalby to Goondiwindi. It is always a fantastic annual event, highlighted this year with Downlands v Nudgee College on the main oval from 11:30am. Note: the Draw Ladder and Results are now placed weekly on the www.downsrugby.com.au (link on homepage).
