Sport
17 August, 2024
Wattles Juniors Celebrate Under 13 & 15 Team Wins
Wattles juniors trekked to the Granite Belt last Saturday challenging the Stanthorpe junior Gremlins in Round 14 Warwick & District Junior Rugby League fixtures.
Stanthorpe’s superb Sullivan and Crisp Ovals hosted action in Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 & 17 & Under 15 Girls League Tag age grades, while Wattles Under 12 boys & Under 18 girls sat out a bye.
Clifton Upholstery Under 6 - Wattles determined Under 6 line-up are powering into the season’s end a group of very learned young players after their first season of rugby league.
Coach Nick Van Der Poel is ever encouraged by the performance of his youngsters, and their commitment to doing their best, which was evident yet again against Stanthorpe.
“Each week our game basics centred on attack & defence improve.”
According to the coach it’s “top marks” for Bailee Monckton, Ollie Van Der Poel, Rupert Ferguson, Jack Wilson, Aubrey Thompson-Cleary, Billy Byrne, Dusty Sauverain, Alex Nelson and Murphy Knight.
Black Toyota, Warwick Under 10 - Chris Ryan is a very happy coach after seeing his young team play to their ability on Crisp Oval against the Gremlins, Wattles running away with a ten tries to two victory.
Coach Ryan heaped praise on his Under 10 team after what he rated “a brilliant team effort.”
A highlight of the contest was the outstanding running game of Henry Johnson that resulted in him crossing for five touchdowns.
Toby Schmidt bagged a try double, Rhys Gascoyne and Hunter Ryan also scoring with a beaming Aiden Hart claiming his first try of the season.
William Ehrlich and Carter Lyons both shone in defence while Rhys Gascoyne and Hunter Ryan had busy all round games.
Joey Ramsey earned respect with his straight running and off loads while Patrick Potts continues with his consistent improvement.
Coach Ryan yet again offered his many thanks to Under 9 players Henry Ferguson, James Patterson and Chaz Daley for stepping up and playing another full game for 10’s.
Nutrien Harcourts Clifton Under 13 - After a dominant Wattles first half that saw them head to the break leading 24 – 6, the Gremlins staged a determined fightback to lead 30 – 28 in the closing minutes of a thrilling game.
The Warriors got away to a solid start in the game with two tries by second-rower Cooper Zadow.
Lock forward Jade Bailey scored a sensational touchdown in the final seconds rescuing a victory for Wattles.
Hooker Noah Hart was outstanding in the middle with his service and defence, while Cooper Zadow and halfback Jake Burns also shone for the Warriors.
Wattles 34 (Cooper Zadow 2, Jade Bailey 2, Bailey Gascoyne, Jed Hinz tries; Jake Burns 5 goals) defeated Stanthorpe 30.
Drayton Medical Centre Under 15 - Wattles premiership ladder leading Under 15 line-up were far superior to the Gremlins on Saturday running out more than convincing 58 – 6 victors.
Ben Rauchle and Zac Wheeldon claimed a hat trick of tries each, both now boasting a tally of fifteen across the season.
Wattles 58 (Zac Wheeldon 3, Ben Rauchle 3, Orry Gilmore 2, Zavier Dalsanto, Angus McArthur, Jack Burton tries; Ty Betts 3, Riley Fitzgerald 3, Orry Gilmore goals) defeated Stanthorpe 6.
All In Electrical Under 15 Girls League Tag - Coach George Berry was more than enthusiastic about the efforts of his Wattles Under 15 girls team, who finished behind Stanthorpe by a slim 10 – 0 margin, after both sides were locked on the scoreboard 0 – 0 at the break.
“Once again the effort was there in abundance” said Coach Berry, “our defence was very good across the field and cover defence was always there in numbers, while our kicking game and kick chase was strong gaining valuable field position.
While those in green and gold gave their all, handling errors prevented the team gaining any real momentum, and while Wattles made plenty of breaks, unfortunately they weren’t able to capitalise.
Coach Berry rated his team’s performance highly, “they improve with every game they play, and so many positives to take away from Saturday’s narrow loss.
Farm Spray Under 17 - Stanthorpe 18 defeated Wattles 14 (Ben Barbierato 2, Jack Phelan tries; Ben Barbierato goal).
Warwick & District Junior Rugby League – Round 14 - In what is the last fixture Round for the season heading to the commencement of the final’s series, Wattles head south to Warwick this Saturday up against the Collegians Dragons .
Glyn Rees
