Round 3 of Downs Rugby's Wagners Risdon Cup was highlighted in the Match of the Round at Gold Park with the top of the ladder Toowoomba Rangers hosting the Toowoomba Bears. Both sides were buoyant after Round 2 victories and Bears were backing up from their one-point win over the Condamine Cods. Bears started the match sluggish with Rangers gaining ascendancy before Bears' Will Jackson slotted a penalty goal and a try to Adrian Irwin, before Cory McGrady scored a try on the stroke of halftime to even the score 15-all at the break.
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Rangers' Hudson Meyer scored a try to place Rangers in the lead, before Bears' Aaron Sillitoe scored a try in the far corner and converted in the 60th minute to bring the scores 22-all. Both teams were presented with numerous scoring opportunities in the final 20 minutes but failed to capitalise. Andrew Hahn officiated a rare draw with both teams earning two competition points.
Roma Echidnas travelled to USQ Rugby Oval where the USQ Saints won 35-3 in fine conditions. Referee Tim Biggs commented that "the Roma Echidnas played better than the score indicated, in a very open and free-running match". Andre Van Staden played his 200th senior match, while there were six tries scored for USQ, including two tries to Brendon Ralph.
Rangers' right centre Fraser Hess and USQ Saints' scrum half Jack Byrne each earned three points toward the Mal Eiby Medal best and fairest calculations as voted by the Darling Downs Rugby Referees' Association.
The Wagners Risdon Cup after three rounds sees the Toowoomba Rangers stay in first place on the ladder with 68+ for and against, followed by the Condamine Cods and Toowoomba Bears on 6 points. Note that Cods, Bears and USQ have played one less game each due to the bye system.
The B grade Bill Flamsteed Trophy race is on with 2019 Super Saturday finalist Warwick Water Rats playing a blinder to win 60-5 over Chinchilla River Rats. USQ Saints won 15-0 over the Roma Echidnas. After three rounds, the Water Rats lead the ladder by one bonus competition point over the Frillnecks, who return from a bye this Saturday to play the Roma Echidnas. B Grade will be close in 2020.
The Emilee Cherry Cup Women's 7s played its third and final friendly round. Reigning premiers Toowoomba Bears, and the St George Filly Frillies, Warwick Water Rats and USQ Saints continue to impress. Roma Echidnas secured their first win in the competition, defeating Rangers Bullettes 17-10. This Saturday, the competition's regular season moves into weekly tournaments with Pool A and Pool B at the one venue each week, with Heritage Oval hosting this Saturday.
Across the five active competitions we ask that all spectators register their attendance at all training sessions and competition matches and people not from the same household are to distance 4sq m or 1.5 metres apart in the interests of everyone's safety, adhering to the Field Sports COVID Safe Industry Plan. Spectators are not to mingle with players and officials. Fingers crossed our great game can continue on the Downs this season. Stay Safe.
