Sport
5 April, 2023
Dalby Diehards Successful in Rod Frahm Cup Clash
The Wattles Warriors reigning premier top graders fell short of resurrecting themselves after their recent unsuccessful Barrett Family Shield challenge against the Warwick Cowboys, losing the season opener Round 1 clash to the Dalby Diehards on Saturday evening at Dalby.
The Diehards snatched the match in the later stages 35 – 28 regaining the prestigious Rod Frahm Memorial Cup, the silverware contested annually between the two clubs.
A Wattles club Life Member and Clifton business identity, Rod Frahm also shared a close association with Dalby rural industry.
The cup named in his honour was first contested in 2007, and since then Wattles have secured the award on seven occasions and the Diehards nine.
The ‘Stillwater Pastoral’ Warriors first minutes in the 2023 Toowoomba Rugby League fixtures saw the loss of up-and-coming three quarter Lachlan Henry who left the field with a game ending head knock.
Henry has been a player on the rise in recent seasons, and looks to have cemented a slot in Wattles A grade line up, with coach
Travis Burns looking forward to the youthful centre back in action in the team’s next outing.
The coach felt his team had much of the running of the first stanza, “our defence scrambled well, but a few shortcomings and costly errors cost us, a couple of opportunist tries stood Dalby in good stead.”
“Our structure worked well, and while a loss I am reasonably happy with how we went.”
Dalby 35 defeated Wattles 28 (Jake Meddleton, Mitch Duff, Noah Dwyer, Tyson Stevens, Ty Gardner tries Bray Paix 4 goals).
Reserve Grade - Wattles ‘Tony Morris Tiling’ Reserve grade line up continued on their winning way after a recent trials success over the Warwick Cowboys, with an impressive 20 – 10 win over Dalby.
While the Warriors still have some players in contention to return to their line-up, Coach Tony Morris was more than pleased with his team’s performance.
“Our backs and forwards all stood strong across the park, and executed the game plan in ideal fashion.
Wattles 20 (Tim Hentschel 2, Garth Lonergan, Travis Pitman tries; Jordan Henry 2 goals) defeated Dalby 10.
Under 19 - Losing halfback Will Sheppard sent off just minutes into the Under 19 match certainly put a dent in the young ‘Black Toyota, Warwick’ Warrior’s armour.
Sheppard paid the price for a lifting tackle, that was considered by some judges as harsh judgement.
Talented five-eight Judd Rei was another unable to finish the game after an injury in a lifting tackle that saw his opponent incur a penalty.
Coach Cameron Hamblin was short on numbers in the ranks, after such an impressive showing last week in a 16 all draw with Warwick.
“Dalby were just too strong” said a disappointed Coach, but praised those that did run on, “despite the scoreboard, the players held their own.”
Dalby 40 defeated Wattles 6 (Lachlan Hearn try: Koby De Luca goal).
Wattles’ next outing will see them take on the Southern Suburbs Tigers at Platz Oval, Clifton on Sunday April 16th.
- Glyn Rees
