Sport
29 March, 2023
Wattles Juniors claim Shane Walker Shield
Wattles’ Under 13s emerged from the Walker Brothers Challenge on Sunday in Toowoomba as giant killers outlasting a fiercely competitive Dalby Diehards outfit 4-0 in the Division 2 final to hoist the Shane Walker Shield.
The Challenge is a junior league event developed by former NRL players Ben, Shane and Chris.
Wattles’ coach Glen McMillan heaped deserved praise on his Under 13s given the manner they played with pride and passion across the weekend resulting in the Shane Walker Shield success.
Wattles’ effort to finish ahead of Dalby in the final was more than commendable, given the Diehards had claimed victory when the two teams clashed on Saturday.
Thanks were issued by the coaching staff to Wattles Under 12 players Riley Hardy and Jack Harrigan for making themselves available in the winning line-up.
Short on numbers, Wattles welcomed Archie Gibbons and Shane Walker’s sons Fletcher, Jake and Ned along with Chris Walker’s son Chase into Wattles jerseys.
James Saddlier was exceptional in the final against Dalby saving multiple tries as well as scoring the match winner with a little over a minute remaining.
Hugh Denny, Jack Burton, Ty Betts and Archer Steinhardt shone brightly over the weekend, but full marks to the whole team who developed and played very well McMillan said.
TIGER TRIALS
Wattles’ Junior Warriors hosted Southern Suburbs Tigers in a final round of pre-season trials on Sunday..
Wattles played trials against Pittsworth and Stanthorpe in recent weeks as they head towards the initial round of the Warwick & District Junior Rugby League when they host Warwick’s Eastern Suburbs Hornets at Clifton.
The young Warriors challenged the Tigers in Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 17 age grades, while the Club Hotel, Clifton Under 17 Ladies League Tag side met Eastern Suburbs.
Under 6
The Under 6s are improving with every game and training they do according to coach Nick Van Der Poel. Bailey Moncton impressed in defence while Aubrey Thompson-Cleary and Ollie Van Der Poel scored try doubles.
Under 8
A highlight of Wattles’ effort against Souths line-up was their sensational defence throughout that impressed coach Shadai Daley. The wee Warriors’ communication during the pass from first receiver and dummy half and first receivers being up and ready to play certainly paid benefits. Another highlight is their sportsmanship. Each game the Under 9s play they focus on more rules, and against Souths the players experienced all that is necessary. Coach Shadai can’t encourage the local community enough to head to Platz Oval home games and support the club.
Under 9
The Chris Ryan coached Under 9s put their best foot forward against a tough twenty from Souths. Rhys Gascoyne had a stand out game scoring tries and putting on a display of copy book defence. William Erhlich and Hunter Ryan never stopped taking the play to the Tigers throughout, and it was great to see the Saddlier boys showing their natural ability with Isaac crossing for a try.
Under 11
The Warriors Under 11s held their own against a size superior Tigers troop, staying in step on the scoreboard until the later stages. Impressive bookend Bryce Bateman never took a backward step throughout earning praise from coach Russell McMillan. With three league games under her belt Males Moore showed plenty of ability running the ball. Wattles’ try scorers included Bryce, Michael Willett, Jackson McMillan and Leo Thompson-Cleary.
Under 12
The Under 12s finished on a high note after a William Bishop try. Wattles’ Jake Burns, Cooper Zadow and Thomas Patterson also touched down while Jed Hinz kicked a goal.
Under 15
Wattles’ Under 15 side had to endure their toughest trial of the pre-season against Souths who were
the far stronger line-up. Wattles looked good with
the footy in attack, but defence is still an area that needs polish. Paddy Denny was the shining light in green and gold and was our best scoring three tries and kicking a goal.
Under 17
In the Under 17 fixture Souths 32 defeated Wattles Warriors 18. For Wattles Sam Gilmore scored two tries and Hamish Gartery one. Wattles’ goals were scored by Bryce Stewart with two and Hamish Gartery, one.
- Glyn Rees
