Sport
16 April, 2021
Diehards down Wattles in Frahm trophy clash
It was hardly the season start Wattles’ coach Travis Burns was hoping for at Platz Oval on Saturday evening, his Warriors outfit collapsing against the Dalby Diehards in ideal rugby league conditions to the tune of 32-14.
Wattles up and comer Matt Christensen showed the way for the Warriors in the early stages, scoring two tries that featured his sensational speed, and another try assist where he showed coolness under pressure before sending half-back Matt Duggan in to score near the posts in the 20th
minute.
After missing the recent Barrett Shield match injured, big forward Joe Mua showed his colours with rampaging runs for Wattles.
Wattles’ supporters were on the edge of their seats with their team ahead 14–0 after 20 minutes and a possible convincing home town result.
But the tide turned when classy winger Alex Ambia found space into the grandstand corner for the Diehards’ initial points.
The rot then set in for Wattles whose error rate was difficult to keep up with, but Dalby under the direction of Wassell and Taylor pinned the Warriors down until half time when they led 18–14 after additional tries to Diehards Wilkes and Wassell.
Wattles had their chances to resurrect their status in the second stanza, but try scoring opportunities went begging, especially in the latter stages.
Tayler drew first blood in the second half with a try in the 53rd minute that saw Dalby start to skip away on the scoreboard.
The half-back accrued 16 points for the game with a try and six goals.
When slick centre Harrison Skinner scooted away to score at the northern end with just three minutes remaining on the clock the game was up for Wattles.
Coach Burns was hardly complementary regarding his team’s performance.
“Ball control let us down severely after the match being ours for the first 20 minutes, we let the pressure off and you can’t do that against a side like Dalby.”
Wattles will have the opportunity to redeem themselves this weekend on their home turf when they take on the Gatton Hawks.
A GRADE
Dalby 32 (Alex Ambia, Harrison Skinner, Dylan Taylor, Danny Wassell, Chris Wilkes tries; Dylan Taylor 6 goals) defeated Wattles 14 (Matthew Christensen 2, Matt Duggan tries; Matt Duggan goal).
RESERVE GRADE
Wattles 32 (Dale McAntee 2, Alex Morris, Darby Peardon, Tom Morris, Nick Morris tries; Tom Morris 4 goals) defeated Dalby 4 (Michael McDonald try).
UNDER 18
Dalby 74 (Mathew Brewer 4, Michael McDonald 3, Mitchell Oakenfull 3, Lachie Smith, Hugh Clarke, Dylan Nobbs, Jack Peters, Jovyn Johnston tries; Brayden Falvey 7 goals) defeated Wattles 4 (Michael Shingles try).
Wattles are back on home turf Platz Oval this Sunday against the Gatton Hawks in three grades.
-Glyn Rees
