The highlight of the day came from a thrilling minor semi-final which saw Rankins Springs take on Hillston to see who would keep their season alive.

The Springs were able to find their way over the line first after a stretch pass from Damien Walker found Joshua Johnston, who was able to find a hole and dive over.

The lead was short-lived, however, with the Bluebirds able to force a repeat set after a close call from a grubber kick, and they were able to make the most of the field position Osea Liga Tulloa getting over despite the best efforts of the Dragons defence.

The Hillston side was reduced to 12 men in the dying stages of the first half, and the Dragons made the most of the numerical advantage as a switch of play, and Codey Parsons was able to score in the corner and dive the Springs side a 10-6 lead at the break.

The Bluebirds were able to hit the ground running in the second half with Ben Pittman getting over, while with 22 minutes to go, it looked like Hillston had one foot in the preliminary final when Sam Fensom crossed to see them leading 18-10.

The Dragons had other ideas as Jamie Parsons was able to get over after a dart from dummy half while a break from Billy Vearing saw Rankins Springs with the field position, and after being awarded a penalty right in front, Walker made no mistake to lock the scores up at 18-all and send the game into golden point.

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It was tit-for-tat in the opening stages with Walker and Fensom having shots at field goals being charged down before a penalty was given away by Hillston.

The Bluebirds defence were adjudged to have impeded the kick chase from the Dragons, and it presented Walker with the chance to wrap the game up, and after 13 minutes of extra time, the ball sailed over the back dot to sent the Springs side into the preliminary final.

They will face off with Barellan after they fell to Goolgowi in the major semi. Goolgowi, who was playing in a strip to recognise the history of the Merriwagga Eagles, took and 16-0 lead into halftime before the Rams fought back in the second half.

The Rabbits held on to head straight into the grand final with a 16-8 win.

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