Rangers close in on finals
RUGBY UNION: Toowoomba Rangers took a timely step towards wrapping up a top-three season finish with a comfortable win over USQ in their round 14 Wagners Wellcamp Risdon Cup match on Saturday.
Rangers atoned for their two-point first-round loss to Saints with a 34-12 victory at USQ Oval.
The win leap-frogs Rangers over USQ into third spot on the premiership ladder with four fixtures rounds remaining.
While Saints helped bring about their own demise with ill-disciplined and at times sloppy play, Rangers produced a tight, hungry performance.
USQ started well enough but came up empty from several try-scoring opportunities in the opening 10 minutes.
But Rangers gradually got on top through weight of possession and field position to be rewarded with a 17-0 half-time lead following tries to winger Simon Krelle, fullback Lachie Sperling and half Brad Rigby in the 39th minute.
Any hopes of a USQ second-half revival were dealt a savage blow three minutes after the break when five-eighth Matt Lyons crossed out wide to blow the scoreboard to 22-0.
Tom Simpson crossed for a second-half try double in his comeback match to round out Rangers’ scoreline while Martin van Staden and Matt Tait crossed for late Uni tries to add some respectability to a lop-sided scoreboard.
Coach Sam Hannant welcomed his team’s return to the winner’s list following their previous narrow loss to premiers Dalby in what is a testing month of matches for Rangers.
“It’s a handy win for us and I’m very pleased,” he said. “Especially picking up the bonus point as well. We really needed that.
“I was particularly happy with our defence today. It was a good effort to keep them to just one try.”