Premiers were crowned on the Sunshine Coast and Darling Downs over the weekend, as the season reaches its final weeks around the state.
Let's check in on competitions across Queensland.
Redemption is complete for the Toowoomba Rangers after securing the 2022 Men’s RDO Equipment Risdon Cup premiership in a bittersweet 33-20 victory over the Goondiwindi Emus.
After losing to the Emus in the 2019 and 2021 Grand Finals, the Rangers overcame any existing mental demons on route to their first premiership since 2014.
It was a nervous start for Toowoomba however, who maintained little possession in the first 15 minutes of the game as Goondiwindi’s George Perry burrowed through the defence to make it 7-nil.
In the 21st minute the momentum began to swing towards the Rangers with a Brandon Murray penalty goal.
The fullback had a flawless day with the boot, kicking four penalty goals and converting all three tries.
The Rangers maintained heavy possession and capiltalised, scoring a masterful team try through winger Sean Hamel.
Flanker Michael Debney finished off multiple phase try after the halftime bell sounded to push the lead to 20-10.
In the second half, the Emus converted an early penalty goal but Toowoomba flyer Cama Raratabu answered back quickly making the score 27-13.
Goondiwindi’s Luke Morris scored untouched in the dying stages of the game but it was too little too late.
The victory capped off a dominant year for the Rangers who were only defeated once throughout the season on route to the minor premiership and club premiership.
Toowoomba Rangers 33 def Goondiwindi Emus 20
Dalby 35 def St. Goondiwindi Emus 20
Roma Echidna’s 21 def Toowoomba Rangers 10
The University of Sunshine Coast Barbarians have been crowned Champions of A-Grade on the Sunshine Coast following a 14-6 victory over the Maroochydore Swans.
Neither team were able to hold on to momentum throughout the match, with only a lone try from Barbarians’ second rower Callum Smith being scored.
Ultimately though, the Barbarians were able to punish the Swans’ Ill-discipline within penalty goal range and through the boot of Matt Lieder, the Barbarians opened up an 8-point buffer which proved too much for the Swans to overcome.
This Grand Final win has seen the Barbarians successful in their ambitions to make it back-to-back premiership wins in A-Grade.
Reserve Grade Match Recap
For the first time in club history, the University of Sunshine Coast Barbarians have won the Reserve Grade title after falling short for the last 2 years.
The Barbarians found themselves in the driver’s seat throughout the match, with class performances from players such as number-8 James McIntosh and fullback Jordan Armstrong seeing Uni prevail 27-19.
USC Barbarians 14 def Maroochydore Swans 6
USC Barbarians 27 def Wynnum Bugs 19
Teachers West have defeated North Ward 31-23 to advance to the Townsville Grand Final.
Teachers West opened the scoring for the match through Harvey Smith who he scored in the corner with the North Ward defenders outnumbered.
North Ward were able to put their first score on the board with a penalty goal that Declan Marchioni slotted over the black dot.
However, Teachers were able to extend their lead through Hugh Scott who crashed over the line.
Rohan Lardelli showed his strength to stay in field as he scored with his opposition trying to force him into touch.
North Ward got the first points of the second half as Declan Marchioni converted a penalty goal to get quick points early.
Michael Fitzgerald got the ball down and was able to begin closing the gap on the scoreboard for North Ward to start building momentum.
Teachers put a halt in North Ward’s comeback as Angus Small scored and Josh Fletcher converted, putting pressure on their opponents.
In a desperate attempt to put points on the board with time running out, Marchioni scored off a quick tap, diving under the posts and quickly converting.
However, Harvey Smith was able to put the nail in the coffin as displayed his speed and footwork as he raced past his opposition to score, cementing his team victory.
Teachers West will face off against Townsville Brothers to battle for the premiership title.
In other news, the Reserve Grade Teachers West side have been labelled the underdogs after defeating Ingham 21-14 to advance to the Grand Final.
Teachers West who finished the season fourth have been able to battle their way into the Grand Final after they beat Ingham, who they have not won against all season and Western Suburbs who have only lost once to Teachers this earlier in the season.
Teachers West will play Brothers in the decider.
Teachers West 31 def North Ward 23
Teachers West 21 def Ingham 14
Western Suburbs 25 def Teachers West 5
Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders claaim second straight minor permership as regular season wraps up
For a second year in a row the Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders have finished the regular season as minor premiers.
Mackay Brothers took on second place Bowen Mudcrabs at Leprechaun Park in their final game of the season.
The Mudcrabs ran in five tries to one, with Mathew Jenkins converting three of them. Brothers’ Kallum MacKay scored their only try.
Slade Point faced last place Moranbah Bulls at Cathy Freeman Oval, the Slashers winning 17-12.
Slade Point’s Atiake Kofe and Rhys Carter scored tries, with Joe Romagnolo converting a single try.
Mackay City put on a dominant performance against third place Kuttabul Camelboks at the Camelboks home ground Lions Park.
The fourth place City ran in nine tries, with a double to Philip Collins. For the Camelboks, Jericho Maiava was the sole try-scorer which was converted by Lee Pula.
Finals start next Saturday.
Bowen Mudcrabs 31 def Mackay Brothers 7
Slade Point 17 def Moranbah Bulls 12
Mackay City 55 def Kuttabul Camelboks 7
