Sport
7 March, 2024
Wattles Clash with Danes in Junior Local Derby
Enthusiasm was high as Wattles Juniors battled out pre-season trial matches against the Pittsworth Danes at Club Pittsworth.
Wattles Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and Under 17 boys’ teams fronted the Danes.
With no opposition available on Saturday, Wattles’ Under 15 Girls league tag and Under 18 girls sides’ first appearance of the year is on hold.
Club President Aaron Gilmore and his committee have arranged a busy pre-season with upcoming trials against Tenterfield and Stanthorpe at Clifton’s Platz Oval in the coming weeks as they prepare for the kick-off of the opening round on April 20th.
Last Saturday was a special occasion for Jack, Rupert, Dusty, Murphy and Billy who ran on in the Under 6 side making their rugby league debuts along with team mates from last season Ollie Van Der Poel, Elsie Macpherson and Bailey Moncton.
Coach Nick Van Der Poel was impressed with his players in their first outing, everyone putting in classy efforts.
Coach Jared Gault is looking to a promising start to the season for his Under 8 line up.
Hunter Gault and Braxton Harper crossed for an impressive pair of touchdowns each, while Zac Cobbin, Ethan Willett and Jonah Schwenke also claimed tries.
After what he saw against the Danes, Jared offered plenty of encouragement.
Saturday saw an outstanding performance by Wattles Under 11 combination according to Coach Josh Schwenke.
Harry Jones and Will Visser impressed, leading from the front with big runs and effective defence.
Another to shine in a fine team performance was Will Berry with a sensational running game.
Coach Russell McMillan was pleased with his Under 12 side’s performance and while player numbers were down hey played very well.
The Danes had 22 players and an obvious size advantage.
Those in green and gold went down in a determined tussle three tries to two, and while Pittsworth claimed first points, Wattles rallied in commendable fashion to be in the game.
Utility player Matt Christensen was a shining light for Wattles in his rugby league debut.
Others to catch the eye included talented centre Adam Butler, tough defending Brodie Delvendiep, Kobie Davis who returns after a year away from Wattles and newcomer Theo Carlile.
Unfortunately, an under-manned Wattles Under 13 line-up finished on the wrong side of a 56-16 full time result in their trial.
Jade Bailey impressed with a try double, and a Danes player helping out in Wattles’ colours snared a touchdown, while Jake Burns scored two goals.
Jake, Jade, Cooper Zadow and Ben Butler shone in a tough outing.
Wattles Under 14/15s powered to a dominant start to the pre-season to overwhelm the Danes.
Wattles racked up a 50-0 advantage by half time, with Coach McMillan impressed with his line-up.
Wattles Under 17 side played a nine a side contest against the equally player short Danes under the watchful eye of stand-in coach Rylan Saville and astute trainer Steve Fitzgerald.
It was a tough outing for both sides considering player shortage and heat, but the young Warriors have kicked off their season and will be back to full competitive strength before long.
This Saturday March 9 junior rugby league returns to Clifton’s Platz Oval when Wattles take on the Tenterfield Tigers in Under 7, 9, 11, 13, 14/15 and 17 along with Under 15 Girls League Tag & 18 Girls Tackle from 9am.
- Glyn Rees
