After nine rounds of senior rugby, it is still anyone's guess who exactly will play at Gold Park on Downs Rugby's Super Saturday semi-finals, hosted by Toowoomba Rangers at Gold Park on Saturday September 26.
Toowoomba Rangers are confirmed Wagners Risdon Cup 2020 minor premiers after an unbeaten regular season. Last Saturday at Gold Park, Rangers hosted the Condamine Cods. Rangers had the upper hand all game with a faster backline. Condamine brought their typical physical style of game and it was a great contest up front and in the scrums. Rangers' Fraser Hess was judged best on ground to gain three valuable points towards 2020 Mal Eiby best and fairest medal calculations. Rangers took out the contest 36-17 in front of a good crowd for Toowoomba Rangers' Old Boys Day.
In what turned out to be the match of the round at USQ Rugby Oval, the Saints hosted the Toowoomba Bears. USQ played extremely well for the first 60 minutes to post a commanding lead. But the Saints grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory, in a remarkable finish that saw the Bears post 19 unanswered points to secure a 31-27 victory with a try on the buzzer. What a game! Bears' Blaise Hartley earned the three points towards 2020 Mal Eiby best and fairest medal calculations.
The Wagners Risdon Cup Ladder heading into the final regular season round has the Toowoomba Rangers on 35 competition points way out in front. Bears are second, Cods third, USQ fourth and Roma fifth. Ladder placings for second to fifth are separated by only three competition points or for and against. In the Wagners Risdon Cup match of the round this Saturday from 3.30pm at Heritage Oval, the Bears host Roma Echidnas vying for their spot in the semi-finals, and Mack Mason's first 2020 game in Toowoomba. At USQ Rugby Oval, the Saints and Condamine Cods will compete for their respective finals' berths. What a weekend of rugby ahead.
The Warwick Water Rats have staked their claim on the Nutrien Ag Bill Flamsteed Trophy with another dominant display at Risdon Oval last Saturday for the Water Rats Ladies Day. The Water Rats piled on nine tries to the Echidnas' three to prevail 51-17. With one round to play the Water Rats are five competition points clear of the reigning premiers St George Frillnecks. The Frillnecks enjoyed a bye last weekend. All teams in the finals mix play this Saturday.
Black Isuzu Ute Women's 7s Emilee Cheery Cup ventured to Risdon Oval last Saturday for the Water Rats Ladies Day for a great weekly tournament. St George Filly Frillies again won the day unbeaten, including a 24-0 victory against USQ Saints in the final. The women's 7s ladder with a week of regular season remaining, has the St George Filly Frillies first with 55 competition points followed by USQ Saints on 53 points, Toowoomba Bears in third and Warwick Water Rats in fourth position. This is an incredibly exciting competition in 2020 revamped with the weekly tournament structure, heading to Gold Park this Saturday from 11am.
Preparations are well under way for Wagners Risdon Cup Grand Final Day on Saturday October 3 at Toowoomba Sports Ground. TryBooking tickets sales will be released shortly. What a fantastic season of community rugby we have.
More information at www.downsrugby.com.au. Play your part and stay safe, in turn protecting the health of fellow Queenslanders.
