RUGBY UNION: The Roma C-grade side has advanced into the next round of the finals series after defeating Toowoomba Rangers.

The Echidnas ran in seven tries, many from long distances, in the victory.

Roma combined stylish play with solid defence to take the the win 43-5.

Fly-half Matt Howse was exceptional for his side, directing the attack well and displaying a kicking game which pinned Rangers in their own half for much of the game.

Roma started positively, scoring in the second minute of the game.

The rest of the first half became an arm-wrestle, as Rangers clawed their way into the contest with a try in the 26th minute.

The score looked destined to be level at half time but a 95m team try from the Echidnas gave then a 12-5 lead.

The second half belonged to Roma, as the side ran in five tries to run away with the win.

Roma coach Justin Garvie said he was thrilled with his side's defencive efforts.

"A few old heads helped with our defence,” Garvie said.

"I think the biggest thing is around the ruck we have stiffened up, out wide we held well and the boys did well to keep them to five points.”

Roma now faces Goondiwindi, which lost their qualifying final to the Dalby Wheatmen.

The match will be played at Goondiwindi and Garvie said his side would need to step up.

"We need to get our set plays a bit better and need to settle down - we will work on that,” he said

"From where we started the season with only a few players to making the semis in C grade is great work.”

Next week's game will be an elimination final, with the winner facing either Dalby or Chinchilla for a spot in the grand final.