Rugby union on the Downs is at fever pitch, with grand finalists sorted in teenagers, the Condamine Cods moving up on the Wagners Risdon Cup A grade ladder, and Bears Women's 7s side winning three from three last Saturday.
Last Saturday, at John Ritter Oval, Dalby Wheatmen hosted the Condamine Cods. The Cods were buoyant after piling on 80 points in the past two matches. After a very tight match, the in-form Condamine Cods managed to grab victory from the jaws of defeat with a try right on full time, to secure a 20-18 victory, in a memorable match. This win has moved Condamine into third position on the Wagners Risdon Cup ladder, only a bonus point behind the Dalby Wheatmen in second place. For the first time in history, the Power brothers shared the 3, 2, 1 points from referee Tom Wallis.
Goondiwindi Emus were hosted by the Toowoomba Bears at Heritage Oval last Saturday. Toowoomba Bears were valiant in their effort to maintain first placed Goondiwindi Emus from the margins that they posted earlier this season. Will Gilbert, Goondiwindi, was accurate with the boot, in an even all-round team performance from the Emus. Emus remain 11 points clear atop of the Wagners Risdon Cup ladder, with five rounds remaining in the regular season.
Toowoomba Rangers ventured to USQ Rugby Oval for a cross-town clash against the Saints. USQ Saints are gaining more structure as the season progresses, with a more determined effort, however Toowoomba Rangers still won by a margin of 30 points. They are still very much in the semi-finals contention, in fifth on the Wagners Risdon Cup ladder. Mac Grealy is still in contention for the Mal Eiby medal.
At the Ant's Nest, the Echidnas hosted the Gatton Black Pigs. Roma was undermanned and the Black Pigs were simply too clinical, running away by 12 points in the match. Gatton, with this victory, remain in fourth place on the Wagners Risdon Cup ladder.
In the Nutrien Ag Solutions, grand final rematch from last year, the Frillnecks delighted their large Ladies Day crowd with an entertaining match, highlighted by sharp short passes through the backline. Frillnecks number 3 Oliver Armstrong led the try scoring and assisted the 34-19 win against Warwick.
Round 5 of the Emilee Cherry Cup saw the city teams battle it out at Heritage Oval. Toowoomba Bears stole the show with a three from three win, securing them fourth place on the Emilee Cherry Cup leaderboard with 49 competition points. June 19 will see all teams smash it out in both Gatton and Roma, with the top of the ladder Roma 1 team eyeing off the Dalby Wheatchix, who are third.
This Friday, June 11, the teenage grand final kicks off at the Toowoomba Sports Ground 'Clive Berghofer' Stadium. With Dalby Wheatmen automatically entering the grand finals due to a Warwick forfeit, the U17 Hugh McMenniman Shield will be a game to watch against USQ Saints. The Youth Girl 7s U14 grand final has cross-town rivals USQ Saints and Toowoomba Bears battling it out for top position, same as the Greg Holmes Shield U13 and U15 Tim Horan Shield Teenage Boys. To change things up, the U14 Berrick Barnes Shield is being contested by the USQ Saints and Souths Kookaburras. With only adults 16+ $7.50 entry (children, players and management free), drinks for sale and gates opening at 4pm, this grand final evening is not one to miss. All tickets must be pre-purchased via Downs Rugby's Try Booking URL https://www.trybooking.com/BRREY. Don't miss out! Come out and support our teenage boys and girls on their end of season grand final evening. For more information, visit www.downsrugby.com.au.
The Downs Rugby awards night is approaching. Tickets and tables are selling fast. With an increased capacity, at a new venue, the Oaks Hotel in Toowoomba's CBD, we encourage players and their mates to book their own seats as well as clubs booking out the tables. This will be an amazing evening, the first awards night since 2018. Buy your ticket before it is too late at www.downsrugby.com.au.