Following the final round of the ProTen Community Cup on Saturday and again in front of a very good crowd, front runners Goolgowi, Narrandera, Rankins Springs and Ivanhoe will contest the semi-finals at the Goolgowi Sportsground this weekend.
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In the opening game of the final round at Barellan, Hillston posted their second win of the ProTen season defeating Ivanhoe 18-14 after holding a 14-4 lead at the break.
The Roosters naturally enough were looking for the two competition points as it would have given them a chance at finishing in second position and the double chance in the playoffs, but Hillston was too keen especially in the first half.
Both sides were missing players through injuries and unavailability and while both sides had trouble holding onto the ball at times the game did have its moments.
For the winners, hooker James Arden, captain Michael Stalley as usual, second rower Stephen Blacker and centre Ben Pittman were among the Bluebirds best while halfback Thomas Lee, fullback Reed Bunyan, lock Mark Carmichael and centre John Hart were the best for the Roosters.
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In game two competition leaders and premiership favourites Goolgowi lined up against old rivals Rankins Springs in what was expected to to be a close game, but the Rabbitohs proved too good running out 32-6 winners after leading 16-0 at the break.
While the Dragons did have a couple of players sidelined it probably would not have made all that much difference to the scoreline as Goolgowi played well and on that form will take some beating in the run for the premiership.
Hosts Barellan and Narrandera squared off in the final game, and after holding a lead of 14-4 at the break, the Lizards went right on within in the second 35 minutes to race away with a 36-12 victory and give themselves a double chance in the playoffs.
Narrandera's backline has speed to burn and led by five-eight Troy Prior, centres Wade Williams and Jamain Morgan along with fullback D'Andre Williams, and winger Shane Squires had too much pace for the opposition.
The semi-finals will see Rankins Springs and Ivanhoe meet in the elimination final while Goolgowi and Narrandera face off to see who goes into the decider.
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