RUGBY UNION: The Roma Echidnas have fallen short in their round three clash against Toowoomba Rangers at Gallas Fox Oval on Saturday, going down 19-44.

In stifling hot conditions, the Echidnas showed glimpses of potential throughout passages of the game, particularly in the second half, but were unable to maintain it for the full 80 minutes, with the Rangers keeping the home side at bay.

Despite scoring the opening try and falling within touching distance midway through the second half, the Echidnas shot themselves in the foot at crucial stages of the match.

Echidnas captain Ed Cross said that his side needed to maintain their concentration for the entirety of matches, identifying fitness as an area that needs improvement.

"It was a tough game, we came out hard early, but I still think we're a 60 minute team and games go for 80 so we've got a bit more work to do,” he said.

"It's only our second hit out of the year, but we had a good line-up of boys again this afternoon so things are looking on the up.”

"We need to keep working on the last 10 minutes in each half, we just need to end the halves strongly which comes down to a bit of fitness”

"Another warm weekend doesn't help, but we'll get stronger.”

Cross paid special tribute to the parochial home supporter base at Gallas Fox Oval that cheered on the team right until the final whistle.

"We had a good crowd on the hill again and I'm looking forward to another two home games here,” he said.

"We want to keep building on these home crowds and making a fist of the next couple of weeks.”

In better news for the club, the C Grade team were victorious in the afternoon's curtain-raiser match, eclipsing the Rangers 29-12.