Ipswich Diggers v Toowoomba Clydesdales - 18th February 2023 at Brothers Toowoomba.

After a 20 year hiatus, two rugby league strongholds Toowoomba and Ipswich representative teams met in Toowoomba on Saturday afternoon. 

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A-GRADE

With a few last minute withdrawals, the Ipswich Diggers played with 19 men against a strong Toowoomba outfit. A special mention must go to Taj Jackson who backed up after playing in 33-degree heat for the Under 20's. Swifts centre, Nemani Valekapa and Fassifern's, Charlie Christensen never gave up with strong performances. Whilst co-captains Luke Pollock and Jake O’Doherty led from the front throughout the whole fixture. Unfortunately the Ipswich Diggers went down 32-16. Both teams go on to contest their respective divisions championships at the end of April. The Ipswich Diggers will host this year's XXXX Chairman's Challenge from the 28-30th April at the North Ipswich Reserve.

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Toowoomba Clydesdales 32 (Luke Maiden, Tui Olopau, Geoffrey Prince, Dwayne Duncan, Sam Betros, Daniel Bain, Sione Foueti, Jackson Shelswell tries) defeated Ipswich Diggers 16 (Dylan Martin, Nemani Valekapa, Tristan Sami, Ratu Vatuinaruku tries).

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UNDER 20s 

In the Under 20s clash Ipswich came from behind to defeat Toowoomba 20-18 in a thrilling game. The Diggers colts were very impressive and finished the game well. The Diggers were down 18-8 at half time and held their opposition scoreless in the second half. Tries to Tyson Gilloway and Alecboe Mene Leota started their second stanza momentum until Ipswich Diggers and Swifts Bluebirds' centre Kolisi Collins scored with four minutes remaining to snatch the win. Leota was one of their best whilst John-Jeffry Wilson-Mackie, Tyler Cuthbert and Tyson Gilloway all played well.

 

Ipswich Diggers 20 (Kaydus Tulemau, Mitch Williamson, Tyson Gilloway, Alecboe Mene Leota, Kolisi Collins tries) defeated Toowoomba Clydesdales 18 (Charlie Cooper, Jacob Robinson, Reily Land tries Reily Land 3 goals).

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