Sport
19 July, 2024
Under 12’s Shine in Tough Day Out for Wattles
It was ‘even stevens’ in Wattles Ryanie for Tyres Under 12 team’s contest with Warwick’s Collegians Dragons on Saturday at a very chilly St Mark’s Sports Grounds, both teams finishing with two tries apiece.
Coach Russell McMillan was well and truly chuffed with the effort of his side of up and comers, and credited much of their good form against the highly rated Dragons to experience gained by a number of players at the recent Zone 5 Carnival.
While Bryce Bateman served as a more than affective enforcer on Saturday, the coach issued credit to all members of his Under 12’s for a sterling performance.
“They played their best game of the year so far” said the coach with a smile.
Wattles try scorers were fullback Jackson McMillan and centre Levi Zadow.
Hefty Footy Program - It was a full program against the Collegians Club with teams running on in Under 6, 7, 8. 9. 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 15 Girls league tag, 17 and 18 girls.
Willett Electrical Under 7 - It was certainly a telling challenge for Wattles gallant Under 7’s against one of the competitions toughest teams.
“To the young players credit they never gave in” said proud coach Ross Williams.
Plenty of strong go forward by Axel Schluter saw him named the enthusiastic winner of the Crackerjack Chicken Player of the Match award.
Wattles try scorers were Kaiden Williams & Olivia Mullen.
Railway Hotel, Allora Under 8 - Coach Jared Gault rated Wattles Under 8’s effort against the Dragons highly, with everyone putting in 100% in both attack and defence.
“The team continues to step up each game”.
A fine game saw Patrick Ehrlich presented with the Clifton Jam Factory & Café Man of the Match honours.
Clifton Auto Ag Service Under 11 - It was a tough day on the paddock for the Under 11 team facing quality competition in the form of the Dragons.
New recruit Hugh Spain collected the Crackerjack Chicken Man of the Match award for his high work rate that included plenty of determined effort.
Full marks to Will Berry and Will Visser, their defensive performance was also a highlight.
Rylee Boom and Marcus Potts also had commendable games.
All In Electrical Under 15 Girls League Tag - Collegians ground out a convincing 28-4 win in the Girls Under 15 League Tag clash.
The young Wattles ladies “were rusty after a lengthy break from footy” said coach George Berry.
While the green & gold effort was there as always, frequent errors had a telling influence.
Wattles did look promising in attack and made quality ground when they completed their sets.
Some excellent line breaks and a touchdown to Teeah Davis were some of the highlights.
Drayton Medical Centre Under 15 - Wattles Under 15’s held out to secure an exciting while tight 18 – 16 win over the rampant Dragons.
The Glen McMillan coached Warriors ran in six tries to four with goal kicking duties tough in the windy conditions.
The Coach was very happy with the way his players defended for one another under pressure towards the end of the game. Zac Wheeldon landed the Crackerjack Chicken Player of the Match award with his gem of a covering tackle at the end of the game saving a certain try!
Orry Gilmore and Joe Llewellyn were strong in the middle, with Hugh Denny and Jake Lyons adding some nice finishing touches to a valuable victory.
Farm Spray Under 17 - Wattles boys senior grade juniors were staring down the barrel of a 50-6 deficient when the full time hooter sounded in the Under 17 match.
Not only did Patrick Denny win Player of the Match honours, he crossed for Wattle sole try.
“Patty really showed everyone at the field that he wanted the win more than anyone else there” said coach Matt Christensen.
Oliver Cooper and Dante Shephard-Picton also impressed; they really showed a lot of toughness in a rough game.
Club Hotel, Clifton Under 18 Girls - Wattles U 18 girls at no stage backed away from the battle when they took on Collegians Under 18 girls in very cold conditions.
The young Wattles ladies all stepped forward giving their best in the first half after losing a player injured as a result of a tackle.
Despite a vacant bench, Wattles continued to throw all they could muster against their opponents who were dominating the game until Jess Bateman ploughed her way over to score and convert Wattles initial try.
The second stanza saw Wattles running out of energy as they combated a numbers rich Collegians line-up.
The home team continued to move the score further in their favour finishing up 42 to 6.
“We had a few players out for this game, and the recent four week break certainly wasn’t in our favour” said coach Bill Gorringe.
Billie Gorringe collected the Crackerjack Chicken Player of the Match award, while Hollie Betts was outstanding with her tackling.
Much credit also to Piper Brady back in team colours.
“Overall, the girls played the best they could on the day.”
Warwick & District Junior Rugby League - Round 11 - Saturday 20 – 07 – 2024
Wattles host the Tenterfield Tigers on home turf at Platz Oval.
Glyn Rees
