Darling Downs rugby sides gear up for massive day of grand finals

Darling Downs best rugby union players are gearing up for a massive day finals. Ahead of Downs Rugby’s showpiece day we’re looking at the Emilee Cherry Cup stars you need to watch.

Jason Gibbs

@the_chronicle_

3 min read

August 25, 2022 - 5:00PM

Toowoomba Chronicle

Sport

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RUGBY: Three showdowns of epic proportions will headline the Downs Rugby finals.

Risdon Cup benchmarks Goondiwindi Emus and Toowoomba Rangers will go head-to-head in replay of last year’s decider.

One point separated the two teams at the end of the regular season with Rangers narrowly claiming the minor premierships.

The Toowoomba side will be keen to break a run of three straight grand finals defeats while the Emus are looking to secure a record 17th Risdon Cup.

In the Emilee Cherry Cup Roma, Condamine, Toowoomba Bears and USQ will battle it out.

Roma and Toowoomba will head into the semi-finals as favourites, but their opposition have proven themselves as worthy contenders all season.

Ahead of the big day of rugby The Chronicle has taken a look the 12 players that hold their teams Emilee Cherry Cup hopes in their hands.

ROMA ECHIDNAS WHITE

Meg Jakins (captain, first receiver): Jakins has great footwork but does her best work with the ball ‘out of hand’. She expertly steers the Echidnas around the park and has a fantastic ability to put her teammates into gaps with pinpoint passes.

Meg Jakins.

Renee Donpon (prop): A damaging defender who also makes an impact with the ball in hand. Donpon is a hard ball runner with a big fend that makes her hard to tackle.

Kayla Jackson (prop/hooker): One the of Emilee Cherry Cup’s best defenders. Jackson hits hard and clean and loves to pilfer the ball when the chance arises.

Coach Billy Coonan: “All season the whole squad has shown a great level of commitment and dedication at training. They’re always willing to put in extra work to improve as individuals and as a team.”

CONDAMINE CODETTES

Jemima Penfold (forward): The determined forward plays an aggressive brand of footy that inspires her teammates. Leaves everything on the field.

Lucy Collin (forward): The heart and soul of the side. Collin rallies her teammates with her spirit and energy.

Bonnie Penfold (halfback): Expertly steers the team around the park and if she can’t find a gap for a teammate she’ll create one for herself. Loves to run the ball and has scored bags of tries this season.

Captain/coach Molly Penfold: “Our biggest strength is our commitment. None of the girls really live that close to Condamine, most of them drive around 100km to training but they always show up and work hard. We’ve worked hard to come together as a team and it’s paid off. At the start of the season Our attack was there and as the season has progressed our defence has really improved as well.

TOOWOOMBA BEARS

Lily Black (captain, forward): The talented forward is the perfect foil for a young Bears squad. Black, who played Queensland Country rep rugby last year and has been part of the Reds program, brings years of experience and a level head to the team. Strong, committed o and a great defender.

Lily Black.

Taleah Ackland (halfback): The Australian schoolgirls Rugby Sevens rep is a threat in attack. Ackland reads the game well and has speed to burn. Doesn’t shy away in defence either.

Matilda Leicht (centre): A force to be reckoned with through the middle. Leicht is great in defence and a hard ball runner.

Co-coach Ash Mann: “The team is a lot younger this year compared to previous seasons but at the same time they have a really good understanding of the game. We’ve been consistent all season, sitting in second place, and to come out of the first week of finals as the number one side was a great result. I think our biggest strength all year has been our work as a team – we have some great individuals but everyone plays for each other.”

USQ SAINTS

Jade Hubbard (wing): The skipper, who played at fullback for the Queensland Country 15s this year, is an experienced and calming influence on the wing. A real threat out wide who will run all day.

Jade Hubbard.

Erin Keogh (halfback): The teenager works hard from start to finish and has a knack for popping anywhere she is needed. Has great passing and kicking skills and can slot a drop goal from nearly anywhere on the field.

Jordan McGrath (outside back): Has formed a great partnership with Hubbard. McGrath is a tenacious player who works hard on both sides of the ball. Her ability to break tackles makes her a threat in attack.

Coach Mick Jaegar: “I think our tenacity has been our biggest strength this season. We’ve faced a few problems and copped a few injuries but the whole team has remained committed and continued to work hard.”