Coolaroo eliminated from AFLDD finals race
AUSSIE RULES: USQ has all-but sealed the Allied Pickford’s Cup minor premiership for a third-straight season.
The Cougars were in prime condition at Rockville Oval, taking down Coolaroo 19.15 (129) to 3.5 (23).
The loss removes Coolaroo from finals contention with three rounds remaining, as South Burnett looks to overtake either Goondiwindi or Warwick in the run home.
In the round’s other key contest, Goondiwindi escaped a late charge from South Toowoomba to claim a 16.7 (103) to 15.10 (100) victory at home.
It helps the Hawks maintain a share of third with Warwick, however they have a game in hand remaining over the Redbacks.
After finding themselves behind by 21 points at the main break, a surging eightgoal third term had the home side ahead by four approaching the final quarter, where they were able to cling on.
Goondiwindi playercoach David O’Toole was again a standout in front of the big sticks, booting seven majors and taking his season tally to 86.
Warwick took another step towards booking their finals spot with a convincing 30.17 (197) to 4.4 (28) win at home to Highfields.
The Lions kept proceedings close in the opening term after trailing by just 16 points, but from that point on it was one-way traffic.
Ben Heppell had another impressive bag, kicking 12 goals for the contest.
The round’s final fixture saw Toowoomba forfeit their match in Chinchilla.
In the Westpac Cup, USQ survived a big final-quarter scare to take the competition points against South Burnett by 9.8 (62) to 7.10 (52).
The Saints found themselves down by 25 heading into the final term, before getting to within two goals over their more fancied rivals, ultimately leaving their run too late.
Shaye Easton had four goals for South Burnett.
Photo: Kevin Farmer