Toowoomba Rangers’ 693-day unbeaten streak comes to an end

One of Toowoomba sport’s longest streaks was brought to an end on Saturday in a shock Risdon Cup boilover. Check out what happened in a 693-day first here.

Toowoomba Rangers celebrate a try against Goondiwindi Emus in the 2023 Risdon Cup grand final. Picture: Kevin Farmer

One of the Risdon Cup’s great runs in recent history was brought to an end on Saturday as the Toowoomba Rangers suffered their first defeat in 693 days.

The Gatton Black Pigs came up clutch when it mattered most to claim a stunning 32-31 win over the reigning premiers.

This marked the Rangers’ first defeat since July 16 2022, where they lost 18-13 to the Goondiwindi Emus.

Since that fateful day, the Rangers have played 27 games without defeat and won two Risdon Cup premierships.

Rangers president Rod Hohn said the club’s culture helped lay down the foundations for such a stellar run.

“We are proud, as a club we are a values-based club and that has been one of the reasons we have been so successful,” he said.

“We have a club culture night at the start of every year with players and club captains and we facilitate a conversation of the expectations at Rangers.

“We’re a club that prides itself on having people that want the experience and joy of coming to play rugby.”

Hohn said both premierships Rangers won during the incredible streak held significant value with the 2022 title a breakthrough win after previously falling at the final hurdle, and the 2023 triumph an undefeated season.

Rangers celebrate their win in the 2022 Risdon Cup grand final. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“The first Risdon Cup two years ago was a relief,” he said.

“It was one we needed to win and we did it against one of the strongest clubs in Goondiwindi.

“Last year, to go back-to-back that was the main focus.

“We all buttoned down and got into it and made everything about being professional in the way we acted on and off the field.

“It was a tough year last year but we knew hard work comes through strength and resilience.”

Despite their on field dominance, Hohn said the players remained focused and motivated to perform week-in week-out and also credited the full program, emphasising the B grade, C grade and importantly women’s sides all helped make the club what it is today.

After Rangers’ shock defeat to Gatton, work has already been done to ensure they are at their best for the run home to finals.

“I think with any loss you can take it on board and then you get back on top of things,” Hohn said.

“We had a solid training session last night (Tuesday).

“We had a scrum person come up from Brisbane to help our scrum - Murray Harley, the former Brumbies and ACT Kookaburras prop, so we are taking this time to reset and get ourselves right for the second half of the season.”