Rangers, Bears in vital cup meeting
RUGBY UNION: A possible top-three season finish is on the line when Toowoomba Rangers and Toowoomba Bears continue their cross-town rivalry at Gold Park today.
Rangers and Bears meet in a round 16 Wagners Wellcamp Risdon Cup match which will weigh heavily on the make-up of the premiership in the countdown to finals’ time.
Bears sit two points clear of fifth-placed Rangers in third position and a win today would be priceless for their finals’ aspirations.
Rangers are backing up after a 17-all draw with Goondiwindi last Saturday while Bears continued their winning streak with a 48-12 victory at Roma.
But despite Bears stringing together five successive second-round victories coach Bryan Battersby said his team is not looking beyond its next match.
“We didn’t expect to be in this position, having to
rebuild at the start of the year like we did, but we’ve had a lot of help in getting us here,” Battersby said.
“We’ve lost a few players and picked up some, but we’re still two or three away from full strength.
“But we’re gradually adapting to a style of play we’re looking for and we have a few guys performing in critical positions.
“Can we beat Rangers?
“A lot will depend on the bounce of the ball and having things go our way.
“But I think we’re starting to get on people’s radars after not being noticed much earlier in the season.
“The players certainly aren’t getting ahead of themselves, but we’re in a solid position to make the finals.
“A win tomorrow would
certainly be a bonus, otherwise we’ll probably need results to go our way to help get us there.”
Today’s other games includes an important road trip to Dalby for an under-strength USQ which will be desperate for late season points.
Goondiwindi hosts Highfields while Roma travels to Gatton to meet the Black Pigs.