In what turned out to be a perfect day for Rugby League, Rankins Springs are the 2018 Pro Ten Champions. They defeated a courageous Goolgowi side 16 – 10 in the grand final in front of a very big crowd at Hillston’s Stan Peters Oval on Saturday.
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These two clubs have been the benchmark of the new competitions since the start of the season. When they line up against each other there is not much in the tank com full time.In their clash at Rankins Springs on June 30, the scoreboard was locked at nil-all after a brutal first 35 minutes before the Dragons were able to edge Goolgowi 6 – 4. After 30 minutes with it all tied up, zero – zero it looked very likely a repeat was on the cards.
With just three minutes left on the clock before the break, Rabbitohs’ fullback Billy Hale put in a perfectly judged kick over the top of the defence for winger Vaughn Higgins, who motor scorched the turf. He left Dragon fullback Billy Vearing, who is no slouch, in his wake before touching down for the opening try. The goal attempt was off-line but first blood to Goolgowi 4 – 0.
At the start of the second half, Goolgowi went straight into attack and had the Dragons on the back foot. As red and whites intensity dropped off and Rabbitohs’ halfback Simon McLure – who has more than his share of experience – took full advantage.
Goolgowi was parked right on Rankins Springs line and McClure moved to dummy, half-sized up the situation in a flash and dove past some flimsy defence to plant teh ball down next to the goal posts for Billy Hale to add extras. At 10 points to zip, the Bunnies were looking good.
The Dragons did not finish as undefeated minor premiers because they can’t play the game. They showed what they bring to the table when captain Josh Curphey following some smart lead-up work by lock Willian Overall and five-eight Damiali Walker crashed through the defence to score in a handy position for Walker to continue to contest the try, Goolgowi 10 – Springs 6.
In the space of a few minutes that game had swung around as Rankins Springs shifted into top gear. As it gained momentum speedy winger Matt Davies finished it off by scoring in the right hand corner. Walker failed to goal. The minor premiers had squared it up.
The clock was ticking as both sides tore into each other, trying to break the deadlock. With eight minutes left, the Dragons grabbed the opportunity. William Overall took off like a startled gazelle, putting a big step on Bill Hale and to the delight of Rankins Springs supporters, including one standing next to me in the broadcast box was over the line for what was the winning try. Damien Walker added the goal which saw the Dragons take it all home, 16 – 10, with William Overall named man of the match.
