Sport
6 September, 2022
Wattles Juniors denied premiership success
The 2022 Warwick & District Junior Rugby League Grand Finals will be remembered for the rain-soaked conditions that certainly had an affect on the Wattles Warriors two competing teams, both unable to secure winning honours.
Across the Queensland/New South Wales border, Tenterfield rugby league headquarters Rugby League Park suffered at the hands of the weather Gods with the season deciding blue ribbon games played in a windy, wet quagmire.
Under 17 Ladies League Tag
In what was almost the biggest upset of the season Wattles Club Hotel, Clifton Under 17 Ladies league tag combination gave a mighty account of themselves against undefeated opponents and Minor Premiers, the Tenterfield Tigers, to be edged out of the premiership silverware 12 points to 18.
Wattles showed they meant business leading 6-4 later in the first stanza before heading to the break trailing marginally, 6-10.
“They certainly stepped up to the mark on the big day, after suffering one-sided 48-0 and 30-0 losses to the Tigers earlier in the season,” Wattles Juniors President Jason Fogarty said.
A very proud Coach Dan Wallis showered his side with praise, and highlighted the obvious improvement in the team across the season.
Wattles’ try scorers included Tayah Wallis and Reagan McMillan, with Steph Lyons on target with two conversions.
Under 17 Boys
Alas, a premiership gong once again eluded the Wattles Hamblin Builders Under 17 outfit, after also suffering a loss as Under 16s a year back.
The wet, boggy conditions certainly didn’t suit Wattles and their fleet-of-foot backs as they succumbed to the Warwick based Collegians Dragons 10-4.
The young Warriors missed some promising opportunities with try time beckoning.
“We didn’t take our chances,” according to Coach Shane Wright.
The half time scoreboard read 10-4 against Wattles, and neither side could master the conditions to post points in the final thirty minutes.
Wattles proved they had Minor Premier Collegians’ measure a fortnight back, winning a direct ticket to the Grand Final on the back of a thrilling 24-10 major semi-final win over the Dragons.
The green and gold forwards stood up to be counted with tenacious Reuben Sullivan a constant thorn in the Dragons’ side, while team skipper George Nott was again Mr Consistency across the park.
Elusive centre Daniel Morris claimed the Warriors’ lone try in the first half.
2022 Wattles Under 17 Grand Final team: 1. Jack Wright, 2. Koby De Luca, 3. Hamish Gartery, 4. Daniel Morris, 5. Lachlan Clements, 6. Lachlan Peardon, 7. Bryce Stewart, 8. Ethan Metzroth, 9. Billy Joppich, 10. Darcy Betts, 11. George Nott (C), 12. Sam Gilmore, 13. Reuben Sullivan, 14. Corey Deehan, 15. Drew Fogarty, 16. Jack Barbierato, 17. Adrian Titas, 18. McCabe Miller, 19. Mitchell Ranger, 20. Billy Mutch, 21. Graham Hopper, 22. Jed Esson, 23. Brooklyn Bourke.
- Glyn Rees
