Sport
18 May, 2024
Junior Warriors Excel on Granite Belt
While the weather may have been a little less than comfortable at Stanthorpe’s Sullivan & Crisp Oval complex last Saturday, players and onlookers alike enjoyed some wonderful junior rugby league as the Wattles junior Warriors challenged the Stanthorpe Gremlins across Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and Under 15 girls league tag grades.
Clifton Upholstery Under 6 - Wattles Under 6 side were a competitive force against the Gremlins and are showing great improvement on a weekly basis according to coach Nick Van Der Poel.
Willett Electrical Under 7 - While down on numbers due to illness, Wattles Under 7 side gave a great account of themselves against the young Gremlins. Coach Ross Williams was impressed with the sportsmanship of his young side, and the ability on show with all players running the ball well.
Wattles try scorers included Olivia Mullen, Kaiden Williams & Oliver Dore, with a highlight of the match being the nail bitting last play of the game with Kaiden Williams touching down for the final try at the full-time buzzer.
Railway Hotel Under 8 - Coach Jarred Gault rated the Under 8 contest “a fantastic match”, and was full of praise for his victorious lie-up.
The young Warriors shone bright with impressive performances from try double scorer Hunter Gault, along with Charlie Boom and Ethan Willett who also grabbed touchdowns.
The Under 8’s strong defence was a major factor in their victory, while Charlie Boom’s exceptional skills throughout the game earning him a well-deserved Clifton Jam Factory milkshake voucher.
Dalrymple Landscape Haulage Under 9 - Coach Shadai Daley was over the moon to have the opportunity for her team to run on at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
The Under 9’s played against the Southport Tigers as part of the Gold Coast Titans verses North Queensland Cowboys NRL clash promotions.
Coach Shadai offered a massive thank you for the opportunity for the Under 9’s to be part of such a special experience.
“The boys had a fantastic day and will be talking about it for a very long time.”
Black Toyota – Warwick Under 10 - Wattles Under 10 side impressed across the park in their winning result against the Gremlins running in eight tries to two.
Toby Schmidt had an impressive first half scoring three tries, supported well by William Ehrlich, Tommy Saville and Cracker Jack Chicken Man of the Match Carter Lyons.
“It was a good team effort” according to coach Chris Ryan, “the boys enjoyed playing in the wet conditions.”
Clifton Auto Ag Under 11 - The focus of the Under 11’s against the Gremlins was commitment in defence, quick ball movement and attack through the ruck.
“The boys delivered on all three points” according to Coach Mark Mason, “with a strong overall effort”.
Alex Wolski showed courage and commitment in his defensive efforts and was rewarded with the team weekly Crackerjack Chicken award.
Will Berry, Max Death, Liam Hoey and Noah Schwenke also played well in a fine team effort.
Nutrien Harcourts Clifton Under 13 - Wattles Under 13’s returned to the winner’s circle against the Gremlins, enjoying some open running and room to move after being dominated by the Goondiwindi Boars in their previous outing.
The positive result will have the team well-tuned for this week’s encounter with Warwick’s Collegians.
All In Electrical Under 15 GLT - Coach George Berry rated the Under 15 Girls league tag match a very intense and close encounter.
While on the end of a one-sided scoreline against Stanthorpe in a pre-season trial, the Wattles girls ran on Saturday brimming with confidence after last week’s big win against Goondiwindi, “they turned up ready to play” suggested Coach Berry.
“Defence was once again our standout feature and set up our win.”
Wattles held up their intensity in the second half after a nil all scoreboard at half time.
Zoey Sweet scored and converted her own try soon after the restart, followed by Tori Sweet crossing for her first try of the season.
Stanthorpe applied plenty of pressure in the later stages, but Wattles defence held to emerge 10 – 0 winners.
Drayton Medical Centre Under 15 - Wattles Under 15 outfit enjoyed a more than convincing 56 – 0 victory over the Gremlins.
Coach Glen McMillan rated the performance highly, “I’m happy with the team’s performance and I’m excited to see them progress through the year.”
Those to shine for Wattles included Jack Burton, Ben Rauchle and Zac Wheeldon, while Orry Gilmore and Marty May directing the team ideally.
Farm Spray Under 17 - Wattles Under 17 side nailed a vital 28 – 6 win that included six tries and two goals.
Patty Denny landed a try double, with Ben Barbierato, Ben Rauchle, Jack Phelan and Seth Esson also touching down.
Ben Barbierato was also on target with two goals.
Jack Phelan was the best player on the park according to Coach Matthew Christensen, “he was a step above everyone on the field, with his running game and one on one defence superb.”
Other players to step up were Billy Peardon with his kicking game, while Harry Marshall and Jackson May were enormous in the middle with their defence.
Warwick & District Junior Rugby League Round 5 - Wattles Juniors take on the Collegians Dragons at Platz Oval this Saturday, May 18th.
Glyn Rees
