August 13, 2021
Murgon Mustangs struck back to defeat ladder leaders Nanango in a see-sawing A Grade rugby league game played in Kingaroy last Saturday.
Nanango drew first blood just minutes after kick-off and at one stage led 14-0 after Rhyse Simpson, Patrick McCallum and Chris Clark scored three quick tries.
At half-time – and after a 20-minute injury delay – the Stags were still leading 14-4.
Nanango immediately resumed their attack on the Murgon line after the break, narrowly missing grounding the ball cleanly in the corner.
But this stroke of luck – and enthusiastic cheering from the sidelines – seemed to turn around the Mustangs’ fortunes.
Shane Borninkhof and Jameel Sullivan scored two quick tries. Daron Saltner-Bligh added the extras and Murgon was in the lead for the first time 16-14.
But Nanango weren’t finished and at the mid-point of the half, a Brent Greenslade try – converted by Thomas Springate – put the Stags back ahead, 20-16.
A tough 15-minute arm-wrestle ensued which had Mustangs’ fans screaming over the fence.
With five minutes left – and against the run of play – Jameel Sullivan broke through and scored for Murgon.
Daron Saltner-Bligh’s kick was on target, and Murgon was back ahead 22-20.
As full-time sounded, a frustrated Nanango side gave away a penalty, which Saltner-Bligh turned into two points after the siren, taking the final score to Murgon 24, Nanango 20.
Murgon try-scorers were Jameel Sullivan (2), Eddie Aubrey and Shane Borninkhof. Daron Saltner-Bligh kicked three conversions and one penalty goal.
Nanango tries were scored by Rhyse Simpson, Patrick McCallum, Chris Clark and Brent Greenslade. Thomas Springate kicked two conversions.
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Under 14s
Two Under 14s games were played at T.J. O’Neill Oval on Saturday:
In the first, Murgon 40 defeated Nanango 4 after leading 22-0 at half-time.
Murgon try-scorers were Darryl Gyemore (2), Damon Cooper (2), Dustin Ramke (2), Zachary Harris and Ziggy Pidgeon.
Will Webber (2), Zachary Harris and Ziggy Pidgeon were the goal kickers.
Ryan Wallace scored Nanango’s try.
After a short break, Kingaroy Red Ants put on a strong display in front of their home crowd to defeat Chinchilla 62-18 after leading 36-6 at half-time.
Kingaroy tries were scored by Harrison Braithwaite (3), Braydon Watcho-Page (2), Tom Larsen (2), Tommy Beil (2), Jamie Searle and Brett Watcho-Page.
Lawson Braithwaite kicked four goals and Rory Crumpton, Fletcher Prain, Thomas Frohloff, Joshua Fearby and Tommy Beil kicked a goal apiece.
For Chinchilla, Franky Bligh scored two tries and Lawson Lewellyn scored one.
Riley Lankowski kicked three goals.
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Under 18s
South Burnett Eagles defeated Goondiwindi Boars 28-20 after travelling out west to Gilbert Oval on Sunday.
South Burnett tries were scored by Lennox Bligh (2), Michael Stanley, Lachlan Zelinski, Joshua Peterson and Damon Strauf.
Lloyd Langton kicked two goals.
Goondiwindi try scorers were Isaiah McGrady, Jaycob Mudge, Myles Gibson and Caleb Braden. Two tries were converted.
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Other Results
- Under 15s – Toowoomba Brothers 46 defeated South Burnett Eagles 20 at Toowoomba
- Under 16s – South Burnett Eagles had the bye
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This Week’s Games
At Murgon Sportsground:
- 8:00am – Under 12 – Cherbourg v Murgon 2
- 8:50am – Under 12 – Kingaroy 2 v Murgon 1
- 9:00am – Under 6s
- 9:40am – Under 12 – Nanango v Kingaroy
- 10:00am – Under 8s
- 10:40am – Under 14 – Kingaroy v Nanango
- 11:00am – Under 10 – Murgon 1 v Nanango
- 11:40am – Under 14 – Murgon v Chinchilla
- 11:50am – Under 10 – Kingaroy 2 v Murgon 2
- 12:40pm – Under 10 – Kingaroy 1 v Cherbourg / Wondai
- 12:40pm – Under 18 – South Burnett v Wattles
- 2:00pm – A Grade – Nanango v Cherbourg
- 3:30pm – A Grade – Murgon v Wondai
In Toowoomba:
- Under 15s – South Burnett Eagles v Valleys Roosters
- Under 16s – South Burnett Eagles v Valleys Roosters
