Sport
2 June, 2022
Ragh Silverware stays in Wattles’ hands
Nick Van Der Poel was among the leaders of a Warriors onslaught that saw them wallop Southern Suburbs Tigers 66 to 6 at Clifton’s Platz Oval, contributing to the home club’s retention of the Ragh Family Trophy.
Van Der Poel ran in three tries in his side’s dozen try total on the way to a big loss for the Tigers.
Captain/coach Travis Burns was happy to nail the win but somewhat frustrated with his side’s error count.
“We can play a lot better, but the win over Souths was important after our loss to Goondiwindi last week, and keeps us among those at the top of the ladder,” he said.
The Warriors victory along with reserve grade success saw the Ragh Family Trophy retained at Platz Oval.
Souths impressed in the opening stages, front-rower Luke Maiden scoring the opening try but when Van Der Poel scored minutes later it opened the gate for a five try bundle to have Wattles 26–6 at half time.
Austin Jennings added to the score in the opening minute of the second stanza scoring after a 50 metre run down the touch line, the initial 10 minutes reaping 24 points off four tries to have Wattles ahead 50–6.
Among classy touchdowns winger Aaron Hooper’s 44th minute effort thrilled the crowd - a Tigers penalty kick for touch was falling centimetres short of the line and Hooper took the ball on his chest and sprinted 45 metres to score.
A second Jennings try on full time lowered the curtain on a confidence enhancing game for the Warriors as they prepare to face fellow top of the table team the Dalby Diehards on Saturday.
Along with Van Der Poel, front-rower Jordan Crocker was instrumental in the result as were Matt Duggan and Travis Burns.
Wattles 66 (Nick Van Der Poel 3, Austin Jennings 2, Jordan Crocker, Kai Williamson-Duggan, Tyson Stevens, Aaron Hooper, Ryan Duggan, Travis Burns, Mitchell Bourke tries; Matt Duggan 8, Michael Pearson goals) Souths 6 (Luke Maiden tries; Matt Gainey goals)
RESERVE GRADE
Wattles line-up boasted two happy coaches in Garth Lonergan and Nick Morris after a gutsy 34–6 win over Tigers and playing a role in the Wattles’ club retaining the Ragh Family Trophy.
Going into Saturday Wattles and Souths were level pegging, each having won the award on eight occasions since it was introduced in 2005.
Lonergan praised his troops for what “a really good win”, but insisted the score line didn’t reflect how tough Souths were.
“They really showed up to play,” he said.
“We still have plenty to work on preparing for the upcoming match against Dalby, especially our ball control.”
Hat trick try gathering front-rower Mitch Duff was a powerful influence on the result, while hooker Jack Duggan shone in a solid all-round performance.
It was a Duff try that set the scoreboard in motion after 3 minutes, before Tim Hentschel burst through Souths’ line 10 minutes later to have the Warriors ahead 12–6 at the break.
Duff posted first points in the second half, and with four more Warriors’ touchdowns going unanswered the home side eased to victory.
Wattles 34 (Mitch Duff 3, Tim Hentschel, Dale McAntee, Lachlan Henry tries; Tom Morris 5 goals) Souths 6 (Heath Tisdell tries; Matt Gainey goals)
UNDER 19
Wattles’ 26–10 loss to the Redbank Plains Bears was one that got away.
Coach Cameron Hamblin thought his Warriors let themselves down in a number of aspects, and the fact that the Bears were susceptible through the middle, but Wattles failed to take advantage.
Wattles ran in the opening try through five-eighth Matthew Wilson after 14 minutes, Redbank responding after a hard 15 minute tussle with two tries to lead 10–4.
Wattles’ skipper Jamie Hamilton crossed for a try just prior to the break to lock the score at 10-all.
Warriors didn’t appear to turn-up for the new half, with three tries in the initial 13 minutes of the stanza serving up a Bears victory.
Along with skipper Hamilton, Matthew Wilson was impressive for the home side, his kicking in particular continually turning his opponents around, and full-back Gus Hutchinson was another to shine.
Under 17 qualified Rueben Sullivan debuted in the senior ranks.
Redbank Plains 26 (Dustin Maugatai 2, Brown Loane, Nivatial Faafua, Clarence Fesolai tries; Khan Fowler 3 goals), Wattles 10 (Matthew Wilson, Jamie Hamilton tries; Matthew Wilson goal)
Wattles meet Dalby Diehards at Platz Oval on Saturday with the A Grade match contesting the annual Rod Frahm Memorial Trophy.
Wattles are determined to bring home the Trophy for 2022, it was hardly the season start Wattles’ coach Travis Burns was hoping for last year at Platz Oval, his highly rated Warriors outfit collapsing against Dalby to the tune of a 32–14 loss.
Wattles will also be hosting the annual Ladies Day celebration, in recognition of the club’s many female volunteers in this and past years.
Gates open at 2pm, with the Under 19 game at 3.30pm, Reserve Grade at 5pm, and the A Grade match at 6.30pm.
- Glyn Rees
