Goondiwindi sets up blockbuster meeting
RUGBY UNION: Goondiwindi set up an epic clash with arch rival Dalby this weekend after unleashing an explosive Wagners Wellcamp Risdon Cup qualfiying semi-final performance on Saturday.
Goondiwindi and Dalby meet in this week’s Super Saturday 2 headline game for a spot in the September 2 grand final after the Emus demolished third-placed Toowoomba Rangers 53-3 at Riddles Oval.
The home side piled on seven tries in a show of strength to relegate Rangers to a knock-out meeting with a buoyed Condamine Cods on Saturday.
Rangers managed to hold Goondiwindi to a 10-3 half-time advantage with Tom Jobling crossing for the Emus sole first-half try.
But the floodgates opened in the second session with Jobling grabbing a second five-pointer while Harry Hawker (2), George Stacey, Dan Cover and James Scanlan also helped themselves to tries.
Downs Rugby general manager Mitch Simpson said Goondiwindi’s return to top form sets up two intriguing Super Saturday 2 clashes this week.
“Gundy’s backs were virtually unstoppable today,” Simpson said.
“Mick Jamieson, Harry Hawker and George Stacey did a lot of the damage for them out wide.
“But that was on the back of a lot of forward pressure from the Emus whose pack really dominated Rangers.
“Rangers weren’t helped losing forward Matt Roberts to a hamstring injury early and they were also missing their leading try-scorer Lachie Sperling.
“But they looked a bit overwhelmed at the finish and they’ll have to pick themselves up quickly to face the Cods next Saturday.
“They will be very wary of Condamine after their big win today.
“With Dalby and Gundy battling for a spot in the grand final next week the four powerhouse teams of the competition have really set up an intriguing finish to the season.”