Round 6 Report by Jamie Parsons

Rankins Springs and Ivanhoe have ensured it's a three way race for top spot going into the last round with big wins on Saturday in Deniliquin.

The Dragons and Roosters stay level with Barellan, with only for-and-against points separating the three.

Hillston also stayed in touch with the top 4 with a win over Narrandera, while a Proten-combined team playing under Barellan (with 5 rams, 3 dragons and 2 rabbitohs including Deniliquin's Fiona Casey) won an exhibition match 28-10 over Hay.

It was Goolgowi's last throw of the dice and they started off behind with Jack Glyde scoring for the Dragons after two minutes. Despite strong running they couldn't break the Dragons' line in the first half, with a Damian Walker try making it 10-0 at the break.

In the second half it was the same story with Goolgowi unable to bother the scorers despite throwing everything at the defence, and two further tries to the Dragons got them their fourth straight win.

Hillston were also facing elimination with a loss, and despite a scrappy first half managed to stay level with Narrandera 6-all.

A scoreless twenty minutes in the second half frustrated both teams, before Hillston kicked a penalty goal to go two ahead.

The Lizards got the ball back off the kick-off and scored to hit back immediately, but after several penalties led to two Narrandera players being sin-binned Hillston's Irimaia Rokotola bagged the winner for the Bluebirds and they move within two points of the Lizards on the ladder.

Deniliquin finally got their chance at home after waiting 48 years and 5 rounds.

It was a tough ask on the field though facing up against equal-first Ivanhoe, and despite some strong defence early the Roosters got over through Thomas Lee and Ethan Harris and never looked back.

The lead blew out to 24-0 by halftime, and although Deniliquin got one back through Trevor Morgan after some nice offloading play, Ivanhoe ran up 50 points to regain first spot on the ladder, though goalkicking might cost them in the for-and-against columns after only kicking five from ten.

Final Scores

Rankins Springs 22 (Jack Glyde, Damian Walker, Billy Vearing, Thomas Judd tries; Damian Walker 3 goals) Goolgowi 0 Hillston 14 (Tale Delai, Irimaia Rokotola tries; Brayden Davis 2, Jed Webster 1 goals) Narrandera 10 (Jeremy Hampton, Bernie Simpson tries; Jakeem Morgan goal) Ivanhoe 50 (Thomas Lee 2, Ethan Harris 2, Lochyer Brennan, Shayne Kennedy, Clay Jones, Patty Miller, Tyrone Johnson, Orisi Rokobati tries; Jake Whyman 2, Tarelle Jones 2, Patty Miller 1 goals)

Round 7 Previews

The defending men's premiers are the final team to host this season, with the Proten Cup's first ever Round 7.

Barellan look to wrap up minor premierships in both competitions, playing the home side in the women's and Deniliquin in the men's, Ivanhoe and Rankins Springs aim for a top 2 spot while their opponents Hillston and Narrandera are aiming for fourth spot, and Hillston women's need a win to jump over Goolgowi for a finals appearance.

Women's Games

Ivanhoe v Hillston - 11.15am

The Bluebirds are winless this season despite some close losses while the Hens will be sure to want to lock up that Top 2 spot and get another crack at Barellan next week. A Bluebirds win will get them to fourth over Goolgowi, who have the bye. Last time they met the Hens came away with the win 38-6 in Round 4 last year.

Head-to-Head: Hillston 4, Ivanhoe 1

Record at Rankins Springs:

Ivanhoe Won 2, Lost 1

Hillston Won 2, Lost 1

Rankins Springs v Barellan - 12.00pm

Barellan are undefeated again this season and will need to lose big if they aren't going to be minor premiers again. Rankins Springs Dragonettes have improved again in 2025 but face their biggest test at home. They have a slim chance of slipping into second place. Barellan won 24-0 in their last encounter at Hillston last season.

Head-to-Head: Barellan 2, Rankins Springs 0 Record at Rankins Springs:

Rankins Springs Won 1, Lost 4

Barellan Won 2, Lost 1

Men's Games

Ivanhoe v Hillston - 12.40pm

Both teams desperate but for different reasons. Ivanhoe need a win for a chance at a home final, which is a big benefit for them with their brilliant home record, while Hillston can get in the top 4 with a win and a Narrandera loss. Old rivals, Ivanhoe have dominated recent encounters, but Hillston have toughened up this season and are unlucky to be outside the Top 4 with three eight-point losses. Last meeting was 12-0 to Ivanhoe in an injury shortened game.

Head-to-Head: Ivanhoe 7, Hillston 3

Record at Rankins Springs:

Ivanhoe Won 2, Lost 5

Hillston Won 2, Lost 4

Barellan v Deniliquin - 1.50pm

Barellan will be aiming for as many points as possible to get that first spot on the ladder. Deniliquin have kept turning up every week despite big losses and have one more chance to put on a good show. Hopefully enough players make the trek over to keep them competitive in their final game of their first season.

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Record at Rankins Springs:

Barellan Won 3, Lost 5

Deniliquin First Appearance

Rankins Springs v Narrandera - 3.00pm

The grand final rematch was saved for the last game of the season and both teams have a lot to play for.

Rankins Springs can finish 1, 2 or 3 while Narrandera need a win to confirm a finals appearance. The two met here last season in the major semi final with Narrandera coming away 22-12 victors.

Rankins Springs, despite winning the big one a couple weeks later, will be eager to rectify the major semi result and get back to winning form at home.

Head-to-Head: Rankins Springs 6, Narrandera 4, Drawn 1 Record at Rankins Springs Rankins Springs Won 7, Lost 2 Narrandera Won 6, Lost 2

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