Jamie Parsons
Goolgowi Rabbitohs locked in their third Minor Premiership and first since 2021 with a big win over Deniliquin Blueheelers, while a one point win to Ivanhoe Roosters over Barellan Rams in the Grand Final rematch saw Rankins Springs Dragons just miss the finals.
Women’s Games
In the first Grand Final rematch of the day, Ivanhoe Hens overcame Barellan Rams 4-0 to wrap up the Minor Premiership, with Rachael Burns scoring the only try of the game to maintain their undefeated regular season.
In a classic defensive game, Hillston Bluebirds and Rankins Springs Dragons went back-and-forth all game, with both teams struggling to find a way over the try line. Only a penalty goal with two minutes left to Dragons winger Tash Tuckett proved the difference as they secured a 2-0 win to finish second.
Goolgowi Rabbitohs needed to win to make the finals and a brave Deniliquin Blueheelers outfit couldn’t deny them. Doubles to Aleeysha Munday and Alirah Hands gave the Rabbitohs their biggest win of the season 26-0.
Men’s Games
Ivanhoe and Barellan finally met for the Grand Final rematch in the last round of the season. Barellan were short on players and had to borrow a few to have a bench.
In a see-sawing game, Ivanhoe were up at half-time but the Rams fought back to be up 18-10, before two further tries to Ivanhoe locked the score up at 18-all. With a few minutes left an Owen Whyman field goal had the Roosters up 19-18 and looking at a possible second-placed finish.
The Ivanhoe win left Rankins Springs needing to win by 55 points to make the finals, while a victory would leave Hillston on top of the ladder.
The Bluebirds scored early through an intercept try to Saul Railo, but the Dragons had the better of the second half, hitting the lead and going on with it with three late tries to win 36-14.
If the Rams had beaten the Roosters, the Dragons would have survived another week, but they just missed out on a finals spot despite a seaon of three wins and three losses.
Goolgowi only had to win to claim the Minor Premiership and blasted out of the blocks early with a 32-0 half-time lead. They went on with the job in the second half to win 52-4 and secure first place.
Click here for all Round 6 results from the Proten Cup.
