Gladiators keen to turn victories into premiership | Ipswich Rugby Union | Rugby Union in Ipswich

David Lems | 3rd July 2009

WITH a name like the Gladiators, Goodna Rugby Club has a big reputation to live up to.

However, club vice-president Andrew McKenzie hopes this year is the one his unbeaten team delivers a deserved premiership.

With six matches to go, the Gladiators travel to Redcliffe tomorrow keen to maintain their winning form in their latest 3pm Barber Cup match.

“Every year we get to the semi-finals,” McKenzie said, in his eighth season with the club.

“But it's the first time we've been unbeaten (11 wins and a forfeit from 12 games) this far into the season.

“We've got to pull our heads in now and just keep the work rate up.”

With a team featuring a number of talented New Zealand and islander players, McKenzie said camaraderie at the Gladiators was terrific.

Goodna beat Beenleigh 24-5 at Evan Marginson Oval last weekend.

However, the club official said the real test for the high-flying team was how the players bandied together in the semi-finals starting August 15.

“Everybody is at that stage now where we are doing pretty well and they are pretty keen,” McKenzie said.

“I don't think that will be a problem.

“But that's what we've got to try and maintain now. The boys are playing well together.”

The Gladiators outclassed Redcliffe 27-5 in their previous clash.

They are looking for another polished display at Ray Frawley Fields, Clontarf, tomorrow to keep ahead of main competition threats Wynnum and Beenleigh.

“We don't want the guys to get blase,” McKenzie said.

Meanwhile, the Ipswich Rangers tackle the Pine Rivers Boars away in tomorrow's Pegg Cup clash, also at 3pm.

The Ipswich colts play Kenmore at Kenmore tomorrow at noon.

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