Sport
12 July, 2023
Wattles Top Grade Out of their Depth
Wattles took a tumble on the TRL A Grade ladder last Saturday at Platz Oval, the Dalby Diehards proving too much of a challenge winning 32 – 12.
The Warriors may be equal third with the Diehards on the ladder, but the visitors finished a twenty-point better combination as both sides commence their run to the final’s series.
It is the second contest this season the Dalby first side has finished ahead of Wattles after their Rod Frahm Memorial Cup success in Round 1.
On the front foot from the kick-off, Dalby were in total control across the eighty minutes on the back of a superb defensive effort and sensational performances by skipper Steve Franciscus and will o wisp fullback Chris Woodbridge.
Last weekend’s Round 12 fixtures saw all TRL clubs participating in the Indigenous Round, and Kambuwal elder Mrs Selena Griffin and Leeroy Brown honoured all at Platz Oval with a ‘Welcome to Country’ prior to the feature clash.
The loss to Dalby brought a halt to a Wattles six-game winning streak.
The Diehards enthusiasm and urgency from the opening whistle and their solid ‘take no prisoners’ defence had the Warriors back peddling.
Wattles were pinned in their own quarter for the initial ten minutes, and when they did break out they missed what appeared a certain try opportunity with the ball going loose over try line.
Chris Woodbridge gained possession immediately to race away on a 95-metre gallop for the opening touch down.
The brilliance of Woodbridge was evident throughout the top of the table contest, and his hat trick of tries a mighty benefit on the scoreboard.
Dalby rolled in three tries in the opening thirty minutes to lead confidently 16 – 0 at the break.
They repeated the dose for the initial 23 minutes of the new half leading 32 – 0 when Woodbridge snatched his try hat trick.
Two touchdowns in the latter stages of the second stanza by back-rowers Tyson Stevens and Ty Gardner highlighted Wattles capabilities.
A ten-metre dart from the scrum base by Diehards half back Dylan Taylor sealed the game on the cusp of full time.
Wattles half back Braydon Paix shone through the mayhem, ever busy trying to motivate and organise, while Nick Van Der Poel toiled stoutly in the pack in a result that may well haunt the Warriors come finals time.
A Grade - Dalby 32 defeated Wattles 12 (Tyson Stevens, Ty Gardner; Braydon Paix 2 goals)
Reserve Grade - While the Reserve Grade result back in Round 1 swung Wattles way providing a win for the Coach.Only last week the premiership ladder leading Warriors outfit suffered a hard-fought loss in the TRL mid-season championship Presidents Cup.
The Warriors made amends on Saturday, building on a 10 – 10 half time tally, to earn a tight 28 – 22 win.
While they may not have the illustrious trophy in the Platz Oval cabinet, they did bank the valuable premiership points to further consolidate their top of the table status.
There were numerous Warriors to shine in the result including forwards Aaron Scheid, Garth Lonergan & Jack Duggan along with fullback Alex Morris and halfback Michael Duggan.
Wattles 28 (Tim Hentschel 2, Jack Duggan, Jordan Henry, Warren Draper, Ryan Lewis tries; Alex Morris 2 goals) defeated Dalby 22.
Under 19 - After a 40 – 6 Round 1 hiding in April by Dalby, the Black Toyota, Warwick Wattles Under 19 side filed a gutsy performance on Saturday yielding a 14 – 12 winning result.
With A Grade mentor Travis Burns at the helm filling in for an absent Cameron Hamblin, the Wattles Under 19 side posted arguably their best performance of the season.
While short some key names, Under 17 talents Sam Gilmore, Hamish Gartery and Bryce Stewart stepped up admirably to the senior league grade.
Twelve minutes into the second stanza the Diehards scored to level the ledger at 12 – 12, but a 23rd minute Koby de Luca penalty goal due to a lifting tackle nudged the Warriors ahead and they defended in sensational fashion to secure the win.
Along with the younger brigade of Gilmore, Stewart and Gartery, those to stand out included centre Jamie Hamilton while forwards Reuben Sullivan, George Nott and Lane Eastwell led the engine room.
Wattles 14 (Jamie Hamilton, Hamish Gartery tries; Bryce Stewart 2 goals, Koby De Luca pen. goal) defeated Dalby 12.
Round 13 - Wattles journey to Toowoomba on Saturday July 15 taking on the Southern Suburbs Tigers in A, Reserve and Under 19 grades at Gold Park.
- Glyn Rees
