Sport
26 April, 2023
Wattles Juniors Kick Off New Season
Wattles turf played host to Round 1 of their Warwick & District Junior Rugby League season when they hosted Warwick’s Eastern Suburbs Hornets in official fixtures.
Alas the Hornets are unable to field teams in all grades this season, and Toowoomba’s Southern Suburbs Tigers filled in Saturday’s program gaps.
Wattles fielded teams across all grades, with the Under 13 line-up taking on Southern Suburbs Tigers Under 12’s and the Warriors Under 15’s also up against the Tigers.
Under 6 – Wattles ‘Clifton Upholstery’ Under 6’s were more than excited to be back on the field, and backed up that enthusiasm with an excellent game. Bailey Monckton scored a couple of tries, while Ollie Van Der Poel. Elsie MacPherson, Kaiden Williams and Oliver Dore also crossed for touchdowns.
Under 7 - Willett Electrical Under 7 Coach Jared Gault praised his young troops for spreading out in defence and limiting scoring opportunities in a solid season opener against Eastern Suburbs.
Under 8 – The Railway Hotel, Allora Under 8 played a sensational game to start off the 2023 season.
Henry Ferguson, Jackson Wilson, Leo Williams, Kit Gilmore, Jay Townsend, Archie Moore, Chaz Daley, James Patterson and Buddy Turner are looking forward to the season ahead, and proved to be a changing package for Eastern Suburbs.
Some great tackles were made by Buddy Turner and Kit Gilmore.
Under 9 – Wattles Dalrymple Landscape Haulage Pty Ltd Under 9 line-up put together “a great game to start the season” according to coach Chris Ryan, “the team performed well in attack and defence.” Isaac Saddlier was very impressive crossing for 5 tries, Hunter Ryan 3 and Rhys Gascoyne 3.
Under 10 – Coach Russell McMillan‘s Black Toyota Under 10’s “got off to a shining start to the season” up against Eastern Suburbs. Fullback Adam Butler was in fine form in the opener, as was front-row enforcer Bryce Bateman and half Levi Zadow.
U 11 – The Clifton Auto Ag Repairs Under 11’s was under the care of Peter Cavanagh as they fronted Eastern Suburbs finishing with a dominant result.
Among those to impress in a great effort were the Darlington twins winger Saxon & halfback Malakai, dummy-half Noah Schwenke and centre Will Berry while front-rower James Mason was a force in mid field.
Under 12 – The Warriors’ Ryanie for Tyres Under 12’s impressed throughout highlighted by Jack Harrigan’s all round hard work, and Jed Hinz and Jake Burns ability leading the players around the field.
Emilia Walker can be happy with her overall effort, as can Riley Hardy according to coach George Gall, “the team can be proud of their game.”
Under 15 Ladies League Tag – All in Electrical League Tag Ladies were very dominant in their match against an Eastern Suburbs outfit short on staff.
Eastern Suburbs had to forfeit the game on a competitive level, but with the help of three Wattles’ players and some Eastern Suburbs Under 17’s they were able to field a side and enjoy a game.
Despite the opposition challenges, Wattles Under 15 girls put in their best performance of the year. The team completed their sets to a high standard which allowed them to build pressure and score on numerous occasions.
Highlights of the game were a five try haul to Teeah Davis, a first try ever for Roxy Williams, a try in her second game for Maddie Dorries and a try with her first touch of the ball on debut to Zoey Sweet.
A very special mention for their sportsmanship & selflessness goes to Georgia Bishop, Lily Hinz & Mia Berry who volunteered to play for Eastern Suburbs & in turn were on the wrong end of what was a great result for the home side.
Under 13 - The Nutrien Harcourts Clifton Under 13’s were too strong an opposition for Toowoomba’s Southern Suburbs Tigers, an Under 12 team who kindly filled the gap given Eastern Suburbs are not fielding a line-up this year.
The Tigers were no match for the home side Warriors though, who put on a try scoring display to lead 48 – 0 at full time.
Winger Zavier Dalsanto, hooker Jack Burton and lock Hugh Denny all crossed for three tries apiece.
Ty Betts was successful with four goals, and Jack Burton with two.
It was a wonderful gesture by the Tigers to offer their younger age team to play, with all enjoying a game rather than none.
Under 15 - Wattles ‘Drayton Medical Centre’ Under 15’s matched up against Toowoomba’s Southern Suburbs and were defeated by five tries to two in a tough outing.
Wattles trailed 6 – 10 at halftime, but were unable to make up lost ground on the Tigers in the second stanza.
Hooker Orrie Gilmore scored a try double and was his side’s only try scorer. Orry and Pat Denny kick goals each to reach Wattles total.
Under 17 Ladies League Tag – Club Hotel, Clifton Wattles Under 17 League Tag Ladies coach Dan Wallis was more than happy with the performance of his team on a windy Autumn morning as they finished 36 – 20 winners over Eastern Suburbs. “It was certainly a great win the start the new season.”
Wattles’ try scorers included Clare Parry (3), Billie-Leigh Gorringe (2), Tayah Wallis, Teeah Davis and Alex Gilmore with Steph Lyons successful with two conversions.
Under 17 – The Shane Wright coached Hamblin Builders Under 17’s kicked off their season with an enterprising 28 – 14 success over Eastern Suburbs after leading 22 – 10 at half time.
Five-eight Bryce Stewart crossed for a hat trick of tries in a sensational performance, while lock forward Sam Gilmore was another to shine in the season opening win, Atticus Sullivan also among those to impress.
Bookends Darcy Betts and Graham Hopper were toilers in the pack while hooker Byron Joppick impressed in defence.
Wattles try scorers were Bryce Stewart 3, Sam Gilmore and Jayman Spina and gaols by Bryce Stewart (3) and Ben Barbierato (1).
The Warriors Juniors head south to Tenterfield on Saturday to take on the Tigers in Round 2 of Warwick & District JRL fixtures.
- Glyn Rees
