Downs’ charge halted by Border Cup cancellation

RUGBY UNION: Darling Downs’ flying start to the representative rugby year came to a frustrating halt with the cancellation of their next scheduled match.

Downs was due to face Central Northern New South Wales in the annual Border Cup clash at Goondiwindi on Saturday week.

But in a blow for country rep football, Central Northern has pulled out of the game because of a personnel shortage.

Downs Rugby general manager Mitch Simpson said the match cancellation came after four continuous years of cup matches between the border rivals.

“It’s a bit of a sad situation,” Simpson said.

“Central Northern have some real issues trying to maintain interest in rep football and have had to withdraw from all representative commitments this year because of a shortage of players and coaching staff.

“We’ve just played our seventh Cattleman’s Cup match against Central Queensland and this would have been our fifth year of the return of the Border Cup.

“They are hoping to rebuild, but if they can’t return next year we might have to find another opponent.”

Downs defeated Central Queensland 55-3 last Saturday night to regain the Cattleman’s Cup.

Their next assignment is the South Queensland Championships at Dalby from May 18-20.

Photo: Nev Madsen COMING THROUGH: Will Walton on the attack for Darling Downs during their Cattleman’s Cup victory last Saturday night over Central Queensland at Highfields Sports Complex.