Sport
21 June, 2021
Warriors Retain Ragh Family Trophy
Wattles engaged in a try-athon on Sunday June 13, as they had too much firepower for the Southern Suburbs Tigers, running in ten tries to two at Gold Park on their way to a 50–12 victory.
The Warriors needed an opportunity to stretch out and hone their game and they took full advantage against the low on the ladder Tigers, the win also securing Wattles the prestigious Ragh Family Trophy, contested annually by the two teams, and accepted this year by captain Ryan Duggan.
Wattles’ wingers Matt Christensen and Braydon Wilson both crossed for doubles adding to their season touch down totals, as did centre Andy Richardson and mobile forward Brendon McBride.
Souths had it all against them as Wattles lifted a gear at Toowoomba’s home of rugby union, but full marks to half-back and former Warriors player Matt Gainey, Jock Waters and Tyrell McCullough who kept putting the Tigers case forward.
Wattles’ big forwards Joe Mua and Brendon McBride caused the Tigers significant issues while Andy Richardson showed his impressive colours in Wattles’ back line.
Former Brisbane Bronco’s National Youth Cup back-rower McBride in particular carved openings through the middle of the Tigers, picking up from where he left off in Wattles’ close shave against Pittsworth the previous week.
The win has elevated the Warriors into equal third place with Highfields on the Toowoomba Rugby League A Grade ladder.
Wattles 50 (Matt Christensen 2, Braydon Wilson 2, Andy Richardson 2, Brendon McBryde 2, Kai Duggan, Michael Pearson tries; Matt Duggan 5 goals) defeated Souths 12 (Tate McCormick, Matt Gainey tries; Matt Gainey 2 goals)
RESERVE GRADE
Wattles 34 (Lachlan Henry 2, Josh Henry, Joe Morris, Garth Lonergan, James Wolski tries; Tom Morris 5 goals) defeated Souths 8 (Brandon Kerr, Rhys Cuttill tries).
Southern Suburbs Tigers have no Under 18 side.
THIS WEEK
While a confidence building win over the Tigers, the Warriors are on notice for their next outing as they head west to take on the premiership leaders, the undefeated Goondiwindi Boars at Gilbert Oval.
The Boars, coached by former NRL star Travis Waddell have only faltered once across this season’s nine rounds when they played a 22-all draw against Gatton back in round four, and have yet to register a loss in their outstanding start to the 2021 season.
The Warriors will battle Goondiwindi at Gilbert Oval in Goondiwindi on Saturday 19th June.
Kick–off is at 3.30pm for Under 18, 5pm for Reserve Grade and 6.30pm for A Grade.
- Glyn Rees
