Condamine shines in second round
RUGBY UNION: Condamine has set up a mouth-watering clash with Goondwindi next week following their 43-12 victory over Highfields in the second round of the Risdon Cup at the weekend.
Running in seven tries to two, their pressure was unrelenting, as they summoned Highfields to their second successive loss to start the season.
Despite the offensive showing, coach Ben Taylor said his side’s efforts without the ball is what pleased him the most.
“I’m happy with the win, but more happy with the boys’ discipline and defence more than the tries,” Taylor said.
“Our guys were really disciplined. There were a few first game blues and a bit of ball going to ground. Hopefully we can get our combinations running a bit sweeter as the year goes on.
“We’re still missing our front rowers. Highfields had a good scrum, and we have a bit of work to do there. A couple coming back will soon help that. We’ve got a good core group.”
The victory wasn’t without it’s downfalls however, with scrumhalf Sam McCosker going down with a season-ending injury.
“Sam suffered a dislocated shoulder and will be out for the rest of the year,” he said.
“It’s a big loss for the rest of the year going forward. He’s disappointed, but in good spirits.”
Taylor was hoping his troops will be up for the challenge when they take on premiership contenders Goondiwindi on the road.
“They are a top team in the competition, and we will know exactly where we sit,” he said.
“We always look forward going there, it’s a big challenge.
“It’s their old boys day, and they are strongly supported club. We challenge ourselves to do our best when we go there.”
In other matches, a five-try effort saw the Toowoomba Bears defeated Gatton 34-21. Two tries to Ben Cullen saw Dalby take a 34-13 win over the Rangers, and USW picked up their first win of the season, defeating Roma 41-14 off the back of two tries to Inoke Tagituimua.