Sport
2 August, 2023
Classy Clement steers Pittsworth to victory
On the back of a five-star performance by classy five-eighth Brenton Clement the Pittsworth Danes rained on the Stillwater Pastoral Company Wattles Warriors’ run to the finals on Saturday night at Club Pittsworth, outscoring the visitors six tries to three to win 32-16 in front of a packed home crowd.
Two second half tries by Clement helped lift his side out of the Warriors reach and seal a success that opens an avenue for a Danes finals series run.
His outstanding performance saw Clement collect Best and Fairest Player honours, the inaugural recipient of the John Bermingham – Jamie Johnston Memorial Medallion.
It was a night to remember for the Danes, their annual Back to the Danes night highlighted by the first-grade win which, along with vital premiership points, allowed the Pittsworth club the first presentation of the Jack Duggan – Gary Sutton Shield.
While the Warriors were considered pre-game favourites, especially after the form showed in their recent 12-10 win over the Warwick Cowboys, the clash with the Danes was considered a danger game.
Pittsworth coach James Quinn was ecstatic with the result and performance of his team.
The Danes claimed first points through a try by back-rower Mitch Revell, and while the Warriors replied with two tries by hooker Zac Stevens and centre Austin Jennings to lead late in the first half, it was Pittsworth that held a 16-12 half time advantage.
The home side ran in three second stanza touchdowns to Wattles’ single effort by winger Mitch Bourke, the Danes effective game plan reaping rewards despite a Warriors’ glut of second half possession.
Green and gold forward Nick Van Der Poel was the shining light in the beaten side, supported by front-rower Jacob Leech and evergreen finisher Jake Meddleton.
It was a game that certainly got away according to team captain Ty Gardner.
“It was anybody’s contest from half time, the Danes certainly wanted the result on their big club day, we had the possession to win but it wasn’t to be,” he said.
Errors leading to lost possession didn’t help the Warriors cause, and injury depleted numbers as the Danes marched on to victory.
For coach Travis Burns, “it was a very tough game, but we move on.”
The loss, and injuries of late toss some challenges in the direction of Burns and his line-up.
“We have three fixtures remaining (Gatton, Goondiwindi, Valleys) before the finals series commences, a win against at least one is absolutely vital,” Burns said.
Wattles’ injury list is a hindrance to the coach, but some key players will be back in the coming fortnight.
Pittsworth 34 (Brenton Clement 2, Mitch Revell, Laurie Jocumsen, Kade Warren, Kyle Brose tries; Kade Warren 3 goals) defeated Wattles 16 (Zac Stevens, Austin Jennings, Mitch Bourke tries; Brayden Paix 2 goals).
Reserve Grade
Top of the table Warriors reserve graders will continue their march to the Toowoomba Rugby League finals series after accounting for the Danes 22-12 on Saturday, three-quarter Braydon Wilson contributing a second half double to the five try total.
Wilson is certainly no stranger to scoring touch downs, having won the TRL A Grade try scorer of the year honours in 2019.
Currently he leads the reserve grade premiership tally with a whopping 20 tries after 15 rounds, five ahead of nearest rival and team mate Tim Hentschel.
Coach Tony Morris showered praise across his line-up, which led 14-6 at the break after winger Caleb King and the Henry brothers Jordan and Josh ran in first half tries.
Dan Rub, Eden Blewitt and Jack Duggan where superb according to Morris, with Tim Hentschel, Michael Duggan, Tim Sharpe and new face Kody McGahan also excelling.
Wattles 22 (Braydon Wilson 2, Caleb King, Jordan Henry, Josh Henry tries; Alex Morris goal) defeated Pittsworth 12.
Under 19
Back-rower Marley Tunstead turned on a top draw performance in the Black Toyota, Warwick Wattles 34-20 win over a tough Pittsworth outfit.
Tunstead contributed a first half try that played a role in the green and gold colts holding an 18-12 lead at the break.
The Warriors were short ten regular faces from their overall line-up, but toughed it out in a gutsy effort.
Centre Aiden Suhan, winger Chris Watt, bench impact player Liam Ruhle, bench forward Lachie Stroud and front row skipper John Lazzaroni provided class support.
The Warriors came home with a wet sail scoring three second stanza tries on their way to a fifth successive win.
Coach Cameron Hamlin is more than pleased with his squad as the players set their focus three fixtures out from the finals.
Wattles 34 (Aiden Suhan, Marley Tunstead, Lachlan Peardon, Harry Fry, Chris Watt, Judd Rei tries; Koby De Luca 5 goals) defeated Pittsworth 20.
- Glyn Rees
