The Rabbitohs crossed for four tries with centre Billy Hale landing three conversions from four attempts with many supporters at the ground agreeing the match was one of the best seen in the old Group 17 and now the Community Cup for a very long time.

The opening term was an absolute thriller with one then the other turning on some brilliant attacking football but the defence of both sides was nothing short of outstanding.

The opening try came after 12 minutes following a slick backline move by the Rabbitohs when Billy Hale held the ball back and then sliced through to score in a hand position and added the extras.

Both sides continued to hammer away, but the two defences held up and then at the twenty-five minute mark the Lizards were caught napping not far from their line with Goolgowi in possession halfback Danny Graham stabbed the ball towards the Lizards line, and Nick Johnson charged through and forced it for the Rabbits second four-pointer.

Narrandera played well enough but had to be the one to score next as halftime approached and with Jamain Morgan crashing over in the corner and a successful conversion from Gray Ingram the Lizards trailed 12-6 at the break.

The second half started as the first 35 minutes had more or less finished with both sides going in hammer and tongs.

But after 13 minutes the tide looked as if it could be starting to turn with Goolgowi co-coach Alex Brown scoring following a concentrated attack deep ni the Narrandera half.

Narrandera was not about to bend to any pressure and came charging back and looked likely to produce something special but could not penetrate the Goolgowi defence.

At the 23 minute mark of the half, the Rabbitohs made it very hard for Narrandera with a try to Laurie Sandford, and with Billy Hale's conversion, the Rabbits were leading 22-6.

With time almost up the Lizards gave it one last shot but again the could not crack the Rabbitohs defence. There is little doubt that this Goolgowi outfit is up there with the best that has ever worn the red and white.

Johnson was named as man of the match, and he deserved the award as he had a great game in attack and defence while Billy Hale, Vaughn Higgins, Chris Smith, Nathan Saunders, Simon McClure and Brad Turner, before being forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury, had great games.

For Narrandera, who were not considered all that much of a threat before the knockout fought hard all the way and had their chances, they were best served by centres Wade Williams and Jamain Morgan along with Michael Quince, John Ingram, Troy Prior and D'Andre Williams.

The Lizards supporters and there were many of them in attendance, will be hoping the majority of the squad are back in green and gold next season.

Goolgowi 22 (Billy Hale, Nick Johnson, Alex Brown, Laurie Sandford tries; Billy Hale 3 goals) def Narrandera 6 (Jamain Morgan try; Gary Ingram goal)

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