Downs Rugby welcomed back junior rugby with a record 55 teams enjoying the Goondiwindi Emus' hospitality last Saturday at Riddles Oval. We thank the Junior Emus especially Andrew Woods, Nigel Corish and the endless stream of volunteers. This was the first Junior Carnival since 2019 and you could not wipe the smile of the young boys and girls in under 6 to 12s.
School resumption also marked the return of teenage boys' competition and the kick-off for youth girls 7s in under 14 and under 17s. Teenage rugby culminates in the grand finals on Friday June 11 at Toowoomba Sports Ground. Our Downs Rugby representative teenage squads are training regularly for the QRU Junior State Championships July 2-4 at Downlands College.
Downs Rugby awards evening shifts to the Oaks Hotel Toowoomba on July 17 and the penultimate senior grand final day is Saturday August 7 at Toowoomba Sports Ground.
The Wagners Risdon Cup match of the round last Saturday witnessed the unbeaten Gatton Balckpigs and the Goondiwindi Emus pitched in a classic battle. Gatton were up 6-0 after 10 minutes. It was an attritional game with Gatton enthusiastic at scrum time however overpowered by a bigger more experienced Emus pack. Referee Chris Gabbett really enjoyed officiating the close 25-16 win for the Goondiwindi Emus.
At the Fishtank, the Condamine Cods won 32-11 over the Toowoomba Bears.
At the Ant's Nest the Roma Echidnas thumped the USQ Saints 71 - 3.
At Gold Park the inaugural Anzac clash between the Toowoomba Rangers and the Rasigs RUFC (Cabarlah Barbarians) was a great rugby display with Rangers prevailing 52-22.
Downs Rugby's representative under 19 Colts and Womens' XV players who have progressed to Southern Qld Country selection travel to Cairns this Saturday morning, for the Queensland Country Championships.
