Rangers lift for Barber Cup derby

An Ipswich Rangers player makes a break earlier this year against Goodna. Rangers face the unbeaten Gladiators again at Woodend Park tomorrow.

Damian Dunlop

STATISTICALLY, you wouldn't think the Ipswich Rangers would have a chance at winning tomorrow's Barber Cup match, especially since they're up against undefeated Goodna.

Having only won four games from 12 so far, Ipswich coach Mike McLean is the first to admit his side isn't in the greatest form.

Their fourth placing on the ladder flatters what McLean describes as inconsistent performances, an answer to which he admits he doesn't have.

If they are to stay in contention for finals, Rangers need to discover some strong form as soon as possible and get on a winning roll in coming weeks.

Goodna are the complete opposite.

The Gladiators have won every game this year, including last week's match against Redcliffe, which they played with only 13 men.

With that in mind, McLean knows things aren't going to be easy tomorrow at Woodend Park.

However when it comes to a local derby, the Ipswich mentor is hoping the intense rivalry will spur his team to lift in front of a home crowd.

“We're coming off the back of some pretty bad form,” McLean said.

“Goodna are going to be tough enough.

“But as you say it's a local derby, our boys will definitely lift and I have no doubt so will theirs.

“A couple of our players have played for them and a couple of their players have played for us, so it makes things interesting.”

This week, McLean has made it his focus to discover the reasons why Ipswich has suffered so terribly in a last ditch effort to prepare for Goodna.

“I think it's been a combination of things - coaching, training and attitude,” McLean said of the team's dismal performances.

“But we had a chat about it this week and I got some really good feedback.

“The feeling in the place is really good.

“We've made no wholesale changes, the players have proved they've got the ability, we've just got to put that formula into practice.

“Goodna are always strong in the forwards and they've got a few quick outside backs so our defence is going to have to be good all around the paddock.”

The game is at 3pm tomorrow at Woodend Park, Woodend.

Meanwhile, Ipswich have a bye in the Pegg Cup and Colts play UQ at St Lucia tomorrow at 2pm.