War of attrition awaits contenders
TOOWOOMBA Bears and Rangers will need to survive a three-week finals acid test if they hope to lift this year’s Downs Rugby premiership trophy.
Bears and Rangers begin their Risdon Cup climb in Saturday’s 4pm elimination semi-final at USQ Oval.
Their showdown is part of a second week of Super Saturday rugby when this season’s grand final venue will be decided.
In the day’s major A grade semi-final competition, favourites USQ Saints clash with in-form Roma at 2.30pm.
The winner will host this year’s grand final on September 3 while the loser will have a home game in Saturday week’s preliminary final.
Roma notched its 13th straight season win with a 24-7 victory over Rangers at home last weekend, while Bears eliminated Goondiwindi 34-12.
Bears and Rangers now face surviving Saturday’s sudden-death encounter before having to get over both minor premiers USQ and the Echidnas at Roma to claim the title.
