Sport
23 August, 2023
Wattles Under 13’s Grand Final Bound
It’s been a year of endless achievements for the Glen McMillan coached Nutrien Harcourts Clifton Wattles Junior Rugby League Club’s Under 13 line up, and Saturday’s 38 – 16 win over Warwick’s Collegians Dragons ushered the green and golds into the Warwick & District Junior Rugby League Grand Final at Warwick’s St Mark’s Sports Grounds on September 2nd.
The Junior Warriors Club had five teams in action at Saturday’s semi-final day at Sullivan & Crisp Ovals in Stanthorpe, and along with the Under 13 boys, the Under 15 girls League Tag side also finished victorious over Stanthorpe 20 – 12.
Talented Under 13 hooker Jack Burton has completed the season as league top try scorer with a more than impressive 19 touchdowns after a hat trick on Saturday.
Burton is also top point scorer overall with 88 points.
Wattles Under 13 side collected eight wins from their eight league fixture rounds to pull up undefeated, and will now play the winner of preliminary finalists Collegians and Tenterfield in the season decider.
Saturday’s game didn’t go quite as the Warriors would have liked, and after a tough first half with limited possession they were in the dressing sheds at half time trailing 10 – 12.
With the wind at their back to start the second half they ran away convincing winners.
Lock forward Hugh Denny, Jack Burton and half Jonte May were those to shine for Wattles.
Wattles 38 (Jack Burton 3, Hugh Denny 2, James Ling tries; Jack Burton 4, Ty Betts goals) defeated Collegians 16.
All In Electrical Under 15 Girls League Tag - The Wattles high achieving Under 15 girls won their way through to the next round the Warwick & District JRL finals after a nail biter 20 – 12 victory over the Stanthorpe Gremlins.
With several players out due to illness and injury, it was always going to be tough according to coach George Berry “especially in the windy conditions”.
“Wattles continue to improve each week and have the ability and belief in each other to win these close games.”
Once again Wattles defensive effort was outstanding.
Minnie Shephard Picton & Teeah Davis were solid as usual in the middle despite both carrying injuries, and Alex Gilmore was brilliant once again at fullback.
Highlights of the game were a try saving tag over the try line by Lily Hinz, and try doubles to both Hollie Betts and Alex Gilmore.
Alex Gilmore added to the total with two converted goals.
Wattles now take on Collegians on Saturday in the Preliminary Final.
Drayton Medical Centre Under 15 - Lock forward Chayse Hough was an impressive performer in Wattles Under 15 team’s 44 – 20 Major Semi-Final loss to Collegians on Saturday.
Talented five-eight Paddy Denny and go forward front-rower Henry McMillan were also among the Warriors challenging the top of the table Warwick outfit.
Coach Tom Duggan felt his sides defence let them down, Collegians running in eight tries to Wattles four.
Wattles showed they are more than capable of scoring points, but their defence across the paddock needs to improve as they head in to this Saturdays Preliminary Final against Tenterfield.
Collegians 44 defeated Wattles 20 (Brian Williams, Ben Rauchle, Malakai Steinhardt, Paddy Denny tries; Paddy Denny 2 goals).
Club Hotel, Clifton Under 17 Ladies League Tag - Wattles Under 17 ladies 40 – 14 loss to Tenterfield will see them line up against Collegians on Saturday as they strive for a Grand Final berth.
Coach Dan Wallis praise his team highly for their effort in very cold conditions, and only one reserve on their bench.
Wattles have enjoyed an admirable year finishing second on the premiership ladder behind the minor premiers Tenterfield.
Tenterfield 40 defeated Wattles 14 (Tayah Wallis, Poppy Metzroth, Teeah Davis tries; Steph Lyons goal).
Hamblin Builders Under 17 - Another nailbiter of a finish, semi-final football at it’s finest, say Wattles Under 17 side edged out 16 – 14 against Collegians.
The Warriors now clash with Goondiwindi on Saturday at Platz Oval, the prize a grand final appearance.
Collegians 16 defeated Wattles 14 (Charlie Spins, Sam Gilmore, Thomas Blake tries; Ben Barbierato goal).
Finals Football - Warwick & District JRL Preliminary Finals will be played at Platz Oval, Clifton on Saturday, followed by Toowoomba Rugby League Elimination Semi-Finals.
- Glyn Rees
