Rangers out to deliver for Old Boys

RUGBY UNION: Toowoomba Rangers and their ace goal-kicking centre Ben Loxley shared a patchy start to the Wagners Wellcamp Risdon Cup season.

Rangers experienced a three-week win-less stretch midway through the first round of fixtures while Loxley’s start to the season was delayed by injury.

But with Rangers on a five-match winning run and Loxley working back to full fitness and form the team looks well-placed to seal a top-three finish.

Today Rangers have an ideal opportunity to consolidate their top-three ladder position and send rivals a message when they face reigning premiers Dalby at Gold Park.

The stage could not be a better one for Rangers to flex some muscle as the club hosts a gala day as part of its 2017 Old Boys Weekend.

Today’s match is a huge step in level for Rangers who rolled UQ Gatton 90-0 last week while keeping their points against tally to just three in their past three matches.

The Wheatmen roll up today following a timely 32-7 win over Goondiwindi at home last Saturday.

The victory moved Dalby alongside the Emus at the top of the premiership table as it looks to build momentum towards the

finals’ series.

Loxley, who joined Rangers from rugby league last season, is back on deck after a rep stint with Darling Downs and South Queensland. He believes maintaining team continuity is the key to Rangers’ second-round fortunes.

“It’s been a stop-start year for me,” Loxley said.

“I’ve been nursing a tear around the pelvic region but things are on the improve.

“We’re finally starting to keep the same squad on the park and I think good things are coming for us.

“We’ve got a tough run of matches ahead of us starting with Dalby on Saturday.

“It will be a great Old Boys day and if our forwards can get the job done for us I’m confident we can deliver them a win.”

IN OTHER matches today USQ hosts Roma, Bears are at home to UQ Gatton and the Emus travel to Condamine.