Sport
6 April, 2022
Wattles score three wins in three grades
Wattles Warriors opened the 2022 Toowoomba Rugby League season campaign in explosive fashion on Sunday April 3 with three convincing wins from three grades on home turf, Platz Oval, against Valleys Roosters.
In his initial game in green and gold as skipper, coach and five-eighth Travis Burns rallied his troops, setting the example to overwhelm Roosters 38–10.
Since returning in 2019 Burns has handled the coaching mantle while assigning the skipper role to Ryan Duggan and Dale Perkins who have handled the job admirably.
Burns has decided to fill the role as on field boss, in what is possibly his swan-song season at the age of 38.
The Wattles pack was enhanced with the return of tough back-rower Connor Swinton, who won a top grade premiership with the Warriors in 2014.
While Valleys boasted size in the engine room, the Warriors continually had them on the back foot
Half-back Matt Duggan banked his usual outstanding effort organising play with halves partner in crime Burns, while the forwards laid a steady platform, front-rowers Michael Pearson and Jordan Crocker along with club new start Tyson Stevens proving mainstays.
Nick Van Der Poel made a solid return after a couple of seasons’ absence while centre partner Austin Jennings showed glimpses of his blinding speed in his green and gold debut, some of which helped him to a brace of tries.
The home side thrilled the crowd as they toted up tries by lock forward Mitch Koina, Jennings and Burns to hold a dominant 16–0 lead at the half time break.
Jennings skidded in for his second try in the opening minute of the second half, and when Burns hunted down a kick to the in-goal three minutes later to score Wattles took a 26–0 lead.
Full-back Jackson Green crossed for a try in the 71st minute while solid winger Mitch Bourke shut the game out six minutes from time crossing in the south west corner.
While Roosters half Declan Wheeler scampered over for a second stanza try in the 49th minute, before a consolation effort by Brendan Saltner in the dying stages, it was all too little too late against the victory focused Warriors.
Wattles 38 (Travis Burns 2, Austin Jennings 2, Mitch Koina, Jackson Green, Mitch Bourke tries; Matt Duggan 5 goals) defeated Valleys 10 (Declan Wheeler, Brendan Saltner try; Travis Turnbull 2 goals )
RESERVE GRADE
Co-Captain coach Garth Lonergan was passing out plenty of compliments to his successful side after their one sided 50–0 win.
“While I’m really proud of the boys, I’m also proud of the club after the effort against Valleys,” he said.
“We played well but we still have plenty to improve on, our ball handling was pretty sloppy in sections and our fitness isn’t quite there.”
Lonergan was all smiles though suggesting, “Any time you beat Valleys is a big effort, let alone 50-0.”
Among a line-up who impressed full-back Josh Henry, front-rower Mitch Duff and experienced forward Aaron Schied rated highly, with Lonergan also putting his best foot forward to snare two touchdowns.
Wattles 50 (Josh Henry 2, Garth Lonergan 2, Mitch Duff, Joe Morris, Tom Morris, Dale McAntee, Jack Duggan tries; Tom Morris 7 goals) defeated Valleys 0.
UNDER 19
After less than memorable 40–6 loss in their last start Barrett Shield trial clash with Warwick, Wattles rose to the occasion in grand style on Sunday to chase down a highly rated Valleys crew and post a gutsy 22 – 18 win in their first new season TRL premiership outing.
Valleys looked dominant over the first half and eased in to half time with a 12–0 advantage.
Tries by talented five-eighth Matthew Wilson and tough back-rower Will Denny in the initial stages of the second stanza saw the home side trailing 10–16 after 17 minutes.
Wattles capitalised on errors creeping into the Roosters late game, a try by finisher Christopher Watt setting up a nerve tingling finish with Valleys ahead 18–16.
With three minutes on the clock from 30 metres out half-back Rylan Saville scored the winning touchdown.
A mighty effort overall by the young Warriors with Will Denny, Jamie Hamilton and front-rower Dylan Dunbar leading from the front.
Wattles 22 (Matthew Wilson, Will Denny, Christopher Watt, Rylan Saville tries; Boyd Armstrong 3 goals) defeated Valleys 18 (Noah Dwyer, Jordain Beezley, Liam Cantwell tries; Riley Burns 3 goals).
The Warriors are on the road this weekend, at Jack Martin Centre, Drayton on Saturday to take on Newtown in A and Reserve Grades.
Wattles Under 19 outfit will experience its first outing in the revamped TRL Under 19 premiership at Ipswich to take on the local Brothers on Sunday.
- Glyn Rees
