Jamie Parsons
The 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.
The Ivanhoe Hens women’s team also won through to the big one with a close win over Rankins Springs, while in the minor semi-finals Barellan mens team and Goolgowi womens team kept alive for a shot at the Grand Final this week in the preliminary finals.
Women’s Games
Rankins Springs started the better with several raiding attacks on Ivanhoe’s line in the first half but were denied each team, neither defence giving up points as halftime came around with the scores locked at 0-all.
An opportunity from a penalty saw the Hens spread it wide to the right with Paige Mirtschin diving over in the corner and subsequent Dragons attacks proving fruitless, the Hens victorious 4-0.
Goolgowi and Hillston had a similar story in the first half, also going into the sheds at 0-all.
Goolgowi though gained momentum keeping the Bluebirds in their own half and a close range try to Tyesha Ebsworth Clark had them up and a dummy half try to Brenda McKinnon soon after got them the win 10-0.
Men’s Games
The minor semi-final unfortunately saw two teams short of players, with only 3 each on the bench Hillston and Barellan were equal in numbers and ended equal in tries.
The lead changed hands several times but the Rams stuck their noses out in front with the Bluebirds unable to convert any of their tries.
A try in the last few minutes had the Rams up by 8 and through to the preliminary final, 24-16.
Ivanhoe fired out of the blocks against Goolgowi with a try to Tyrone Johnson but it was to be their last, with Goolgowi running in three tries to Brad Turner, Ben Mahon and Bohdy Martyn before halftime, up 18-4.
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, the Rabbitohs reaching their fourth Grand Final 28-4.
Full Results
Women’s
Major Semi: Ivanhoe 4 (Paige Mirtschin try) defeated Rankins Springs 0.
Minor Semi: Goolgowi 10 (Tyesha Clark Ebsworth, Brenda McKinnon tries; Lexi Lightfoot goal) defeated Hillston 0.
Men’s
Major Semi: Goolgowi 28 (Brad Turner, Ben Mahon, Bohdy Martyn, Jasvir Singh-Clark tries; Henry Taylor 6 goals) defeated Ivanhoe 4 (Tyrone Johnson try)
Minor Semi: Barellan 24 (Noah Forbutt, Joshua Langman, Teague Studholme, Tom Bartter tries; Noah Forbutt 4 goals) defeated Hillston 16 (Lachie Brill, Irimaia Rokotola, Tommy Brettschneider, Iosefo Tuvere tries)
Women’s Preliminary Final Preview
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 2.
Last time they met the Springs got up 10-4 in Round 4.
Both are chasing their first grand final in several years, with the Dragons last appearance in 2021 and Goolgowi’s in 2022.
Preliminary Final Wins
Rankins Springs – 0
Goolgowi – 1
Preliminary Final Records
Major Semi Loser – 4
Minor Semi Winner – 0
Men’s Preliminary Final Preview
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 manage to get the win here.
All of Ivanhoe will be hoping for a much improved performance compared to the major semi, with the men looking to join the women’s side for a home grand final.
Barellan have struggled for numbers all year but have put in for each other on the field and that’s what’s counted, with a gutsy win over Hillston.
Another similar effort will be required to make the big one, with Ivanhoe sure to have plenty of big forwards.
If the Rams mental toughness can keep up, they are in with every chance.
Preliminary Final Wins
Barellan – 0
Ivanhoe – 3
Preliminary Final Record
Major Semi Loser – 3
Minor Semi Winner – 2
Draws – 1
