Sport
16 August, 2023
Wattles dominate Stanthorpe Gremlins
Saturday was a day of success for the Wattles Junior Warriors, and the conclusion of fixtures for the 58th Warwick and District JRL season, resulting in an amazing five Wattles’ teams qualifying for the finals.
Under 6 - Wattles Under 6 coach Nick Van Der Poel was happy with his player numbers and their match performance. Oliver Van Der Poel turned in his best attacking game for the season, crossing for a try along with Oliver Dore. Aubrey Thompson-Cleary
and Bailey Monckton were rock solid in defence while Kaiden Williams and Elsie McPherson were outstanding running the ball.
Under 7 - Wattles Under 7s displayed impressive skills in attack and defence against Stanthorpe. The team saw a host of try-scorers including Ethan, Lawson, James, Hunter, Zac, Keighley, Jonah, Patrick, Braxton, Hudson and Bree. Wattles extended their gratitude to Braxton and Lawson for joining Stanthorpe’s team and helping fill their numbers. The match was truly a commendable performance by the entire Wattles team. Coach Jared Gailt also extended a big thanks to everyone who assisted over the season and to Willett Electrical as jersey sponsors.
Under 8 - Coach Shadai Daley was very proud of her Under 8s in their final fixture: “They certainly showed up in green and gold, working as a team, completing some great plays and scoring some outstanding tries,” she said. Touchdowns went to Chaz Daley, James Patterson and Henry Ferguson.
Under 9 - It was another convincing win by Wattles’ Under 9 side, crossing for thirteen tries to two. The talented team showed its attacking ability with Joseph Ramsay and Rhys Gascoyne crossing for three tries each, Isaac and Jack Saddlier along with Hunter Ryan crossed for two tries and a try to Toby Schmidt. Wattles made it through the season undefeated. Coach Chris Ryan recognised all players for their commitment to an enjoyable season.
Under 10 - Malakai Darlington and Saxon Darlington finished the season with a dominant display of ball running, evasive stepping and brutal tackling in a comprehensive win. Others to impress with fine running games were James Mason, Rylee Boom, William Berry and Alex Wolski. Mahalia Williams, Oscar Robinson, Flynn McInnes and Ayden Willett are to be commended for donning a Gremlins jersey, all four tackled hard and felt the full fury of their own team with super tackles stopping them in their tracks. It’s been a great season by the Under 10s according to coach Ian Brady: “Your improvement was great to see,” he said.
Under 11 - It was a positive season finish for the Russell McMillan coached Under 11 line-up, running in six tries to finish on top of their opponents. Jackson McMillan and Mick Willett crossed for three tries apiece, with Levi Zadow also landing a touchdown. Rory Turner finished the season with
his best performance, while Brodie Delvendiep was another to impress from the wing.
Under 12 - Coach George Gall was very pleased with his Under 12 team’s season finish, a fine first half against Stanthorpe that fell away a little in the second stanza. Another positive was the improved defence by all on the field. Jack Harrigan and Jed Hinz were rewarded with two tries each, while Jade Bailey, Emilia Walker also collected touchdowns. Jed Hinz, Jade Bailey, Jake Burns and Levi Zadow were all on target with goals. Coach Gall commended Under 11 players Jackson McMillan, Dustin May, Levi Zadow, Tommy Peters and Rory Turner who stepped up a grade and played well.
Under 13 - Jack Burton collected a five try haul in an outstanding effort in Wattles Under 13 team’s 64 to 8 demolition of the Stanthorpe Gremlins. Jack completes the fixture season as joint top premiership try scorer with a total of sixteen. Wattles have finished the season undefeated and head into the finals series.
Under 15 Girls League Tag - The Under 15 Girls finished comfortable 28 to 14 winners in their final fixture, a result of a brilliant team performance. The girls did everything right and are in top form going into the finals with each and every player performing at their best. An indication of how well the entire team is playing is the six tries scored, all by different players - Hollie Betts, Tilly Baty, Maddie Dorries, Mia Berry, Minnie Shephard Picton and Chelsea Bargh, while Alex Gilmore contributed two goals.
Under 15 - Their 28 to 18 win over the Gremlins saw Wattles Under 15s lock in second place on the premiership ladder and book a ticket to the Warwick & District finals series. Chase Hough, Ory Gilmore and Jackson May were among those to shine in green and gold.
Under 17 Ladies League Tag - Wattles were way too professional a package to Stanthorpe in the Under 17...
Ladies League Tag winning overwhelmingly 48-nil.
Tries went to Teeah Davis (3), Abbey Monckton (3), Clare Parry (3) and Hollie Betts, with Steph Lyons on target with four conversions.
Under 17 - The Shane Wright coached Under 17 team locked in a second on the premiership ladder finish and finals berth after dispatching the Stanthorpe Gremlins 44 to 6.
Best wishes to Wattles player Brodie Geary-Bacon who sustained a significant injury, all the best for a speedy recovery Brodie.
Warwick & District JRL Semi-Finals
Saturday August 19th at Sullivan and Crisp Ovals, Stanthorpe.
Wattles meet Collegians in Under 13, Under 15 Ladies League Tag, Under 15, and Under 17, while in Under 17 Ladies League Tag Wattles take on Tenterfield.
- Glyn Rees
