August 2, 2023
They did it! The South Burnett Thrashers downed Dalby in their must-win Darling Downs Rugby Union “Super Saturday” semi-final in Toowoomba on Saturday.
The Thrashers finished in third spot on the ladder, meaning they had to defeat the fourth-placed Wheatmen to progress any further in the competition.
“We opened the game well with Elaijah Kocovanua scoring an early try, converted by Nikolao Petueli,” club president Jamie Shirlaw said.
“Dalby hit back with three quick tries but, thankfully, Biss Waqatubu scored before half-time.
“Another successful conversion from Nikoloa sent us into half-time 19-14 down.
“At half time the team talked about respecting the football and earning the right to swing it wide. The talk worked!
“Early in the second half the ball was moved into the lightning fast hands of Mowen Boino who sprinted 80 metres to score a try.
“The Thrashers went on the attack with another try from Biss and Tiai Tuiloma.
“Ted Sikovi kicked two more conversions, taking us to a 33-19 lead.
“Dalby scored a try taking it to 33-26.”
Another converted try from Dalby would have tied up the game.
“This made for a very tense last five minutes,” Jamie said.
“Thankfully, the Thrashers held out the Dalby attack, winning the game 33-26.”
The Thrashers now face the unenviable task of taking on the Goondiwindi Emus at home in Goondiwindi in the Preliminary Final on Saturday to earn the right to contest the Grand Final on August 12 against St George.
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Gallery Of Photos
[All photos by Annette Andrews]
