Cougars solidify AFLDD minor premiership
AUSSIE RULES: USQ has wrapped up the minor premiership of the Allied Pickford’s Cup as they take further strides towards a thirdstraight flag.
It wasn’t easy, but the Cougars were able to grind out a 8.13 (61) to 7.3 (45) win over South Toowoomba, thereby putting the Bombers’ top-two hopes in serious doubt.
After trailing by 18 at the first change, the Cougars were able to work their way back into the contest, taking a narrow four-point lead into the main break.
They again found themselves behind by two heading into the final term, but were able to hold their nerve, kicking three goals to one to take home the victory.
This gives the Cougars their second successive minor premiership, and a win this weekend against Dalby would mark their best season since 2013, where they also lost just one game.
Goondiwindi officially booked their finals ticket after scoring a comprehensive 28.8 (176) to 3.4 (22) win on the road to Toowoomba.
David O’Toole booted home 14 majors to take him over the century mark for the season.
The win moves them into a share of second with the Bombers, and they can overtake them with a big win over Chinchilla this weekend.
South Burnett kept the heat on Warwick for the last remaining finals spot with a dominant 25.9 (159) to 3.6 (24) victory in Dalby.
It means Warwick must defeat South Toowoomba at Heritage Oval this weekend to ensure their spot in the finals, or rely on the Saints falling to the Lions in Kingaroy.
Highfields produced their third win of the year, defeating an understrength Chinchilla 20.17 (137) to 4.4 (28).
In the final round of the Westpac Cup, the USQ Cougars won their seventhstraight game, taking down South Toowoomba 18.10 (118) to 0.5 (5).
Esther Ritchie booted four goals in the one-sided display, as the Cougars look to book their spot in the grand final when they come up against Toowoomba in the first week of the finals.
Sean Teuma