Goondiwindi Emus leave it late in Risdon Cup thriller with Rangers

Goondiwindi Emus dominated the Risdon Cup regular season. The grand final however was a different matter all together with Rangers digging deep. Here’s how the cup was won.

RUGBY: Rangers will remember the 2021 Risdon Cup as the one that got away.

The Toowoomba club were just one of just two sides to beat their Saturday opponents Goondiwindi this season, but they couldn’t get the job done when it counted, beaten 10-7 in the grand final.

Like they did throughout the regular season, Goondiwindi’s massive forward pack dictated the terms on which the game was played and created plenty of opportunities out wide for their backline.

Rangers stood tall though and despite their dominance in possession and field position, the Emus were unable to break down the resilient Toowoomba side.

Rangers first meaningful foray into Emus territory proved to be fruitful though.

With the referee ready to blow time on the first half, Rangers vice-captain John Vinson broke the deadlock.

Scooping up the ball at the breakdown Hudson Meyer darted into the Emus line before throwing a neat inside ball to Vinson who crashed over under the posts to give his side a 7-0 lead at the break.

Buoyed by their try Rangers started the second half well but the Emus were the next team on the board.

In mark of respect for their opposition, the Emus opted to narrow the gap off the boot, kicking a penalty goal about 10 minutes into the second half.

The remainder of the second half played out much like the first with Emus playing at top gear and Rangers holding firm in defence.

Emus forward pack came to the rescue though and Jonty Harris was the benefactor.

Handed a scrum 5m out, the Emus pack drove Rangers back leaving Harris with the simple task of picking up and putting the ball down to score.

“I want to congratulate Goondiwindi,” Rangers captain Tom Vinson said.

“We know they set the standard (in the past) and they’re back to it again.

“They ground us out of the game, held onto the ball and their defence was awesome.

“To my boys I’m so proud of the effort throughout the year, we just weren’t good enough on the day and we can accept that.”

A humble Sam Tweedy was equally proud of his team’s efforts.

“I’m really happy for the boys,” the Emus captain said.

“They dug deep and showed plenty of ticker today and I couldn’t be prouder.”