Highfields downs 12-man Goondiwindi to claim Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy

Highfields Eagles have created history by claiming their first piece of A-grade silverware in the Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy final.

Matthew Prowse, Campbell Stewart and Jarrod Lee with the Madsen-Rasmussen Cup. Sunday, July 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen

RUGBY LEAGUE: Highfields has etched its name in the history books.

The Eagles soared to their first A-grade crown, claiming the Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy with a 34-18 defeat of Goondiwindi at Herb Steinohrt Oval.

Highfields raced in six tries to three in the polished display that has given them their maiden success.

Coach Gus McKellar said it was special moment for the club, turning around a horror 2019 season into a major trophy win.

“It’s the first time we’ve got into a trophy game. The club were really excited about it and I’m just glad the boys could get the job done,” he told TRL Media.

“We’re starting to get some really good support and they’re getting behind the club. Today was a special moment.

“We try and hold our standards pretty high. 2019 was a tough year for everyone involved, but we stuck to it and to the guys credit they regrouped, a few guys came back and that’s really stiffened the club up again.”

THE SEND OFF

Goondiwindi were forced to play for 77 minutes with 12 men after Brandon McGrady was dismissed for a dangerous throw.

In what was a scary moment for Sean Hamel, the Highfields winger was picked up by the waist and completely spun around, before landing on his back.

Goondiwindi faced an uphill task from that point on in trying to contain the Eagles attack, particularly with Travis Waddell missing with a broken hand.

HANGING TOUGH

To their credit, the Boars were able to hang solid for the first half, going into the sheds down 16-12 and showing some passages of attacking brilliance.

David McGrady laid on a brilliant short ball for Michael Hazard to bust through the line and retake the lead for Goondiwindi.

Highfields took all the momentum into the break however, with a lovely offload from Conor Nolan putting Jarrod Lee under the posts.

PULLING AWAY

You got the feeling that Goondiwindi had to be first to score in the second half in order to keep their hopes alive.

When Jacob Leach barged his way over close to the line in the 44th minute it made the job tough.

But after Nick Bainbridge darted his way over from dummy half in the 63rd minute, that sealed the result for the Eagles.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Matthew Prowse was named the Bill and Steve Pollard Family Medal winner for player of the final after a solid display in the back row.

He was everywhere when required, very strong in defence and scored the last try of the match for good measure.

Highfields hooker Bainbridge also had a strong outing, continuing on a really good season.

WHERE TO NEXT?

The Boars get the chance to dust themselves off and bounce back when they host Gatton in a blockbuster encounter on Sunday. They’ll take a three-point lead in the standings into the back part of the season.

Highfields will look to carry their momentum into a home clash with the Pittsworth Danes.