Jamie Parsons
Goolgowi Rabbitohs have locked in their first Grand Final appearance since 2021 with a commanding win over second-placed Ivanhoe Roosters in the major Semi-final on Saturday.
Ivanhoe Hens women’s team also won through to the decider with a close win over Rankins Springs Dragons, while in the minor Semi-finals Barellan Rams Men and Goolgowi Rabbitohs Women kept their season alive for a shot at the Grand Final this week in the preliminary finals.
Proten Cup Women’s
Rankins Springs Dragons started the match better with several raiding attacks on Ivanhoe Hens line in the first half but were denied. The defence of both teams was on song with the scores locked at 0-all at half-time.
An opportunity from a penalty saw the Hens spread it wide with Paige Mirtschin diving over in the corner to secure a 4-0 win.
Goolgowi and Hillston Bluebirds had a similar story in the first half, also going into the sheds at half-time at 0-all. Goolgowi broke the deadlock in the second half with a close range try to Tyesha Ebsworth Clark before Brenda McKinnon sealed the result with a try from dummy-half to extend the lead to 10-0.
Proten Cup Men’s
The Minor Semi-final between Hillston Bluebirds and Barellan Rams saw the lead change hands several times. A try in the last few minutes helped the Rams to an eight-point lead and through to the Preliminary Final with a 24-16 win.
Ivanhoe Hens fired out of the blocks against Goolgowi Rabbitohs with a try to Tyrone Johnson but Goolgowi responded with tries to Brad Turner, Ben Mahon and Bohdy Martyn before half-time to take an 18-4 lead.
A passionate second half saw only one try to Jasvir Singh-Clark under the posts but two penalty goals to Henry Taylor put the game out of reach, with the Rabbitohs winning 8-4 to reach their fourth Grand Final.
Preliminary Finals Previews
Proten Cup Women's
Rankins Springs v Goolgowi
The women’s competition has become a battle of defence with many low scoring games over the past few rounds.
Rankins Springs has gone down twice to Ivanhoe, 8-4 and 4-0, while Goolgowi has improved out of sight since their 32-0 loss to the Hens in Round Two.
Last time they met in Round Four the Dragons claimed the win 10-4. Both are chasing their first Grand Final berth in a few seasons, with the Dragons last appearance in 2021 and the Rabbitohs in 2022.
Proten Cup Men's
Ivanhoe v Barellan
Last year’s Grand Finalists meet again in the penultimate round this week as Ivanhoe search again for that elusive premiership.
The Roosters will play at home next week if they win and will be hoping for a much-improved performance compared to their Major Semi-final.
Barellan put in for a gutsy win over Hillston and another similar effort is required to make the decider. If the Rams mental toughness can keep up with the Roosters imposing forward pack, they are in with every chance.
