Sport
20 June, 2023
Wattles Under 17 Wallop Tenterfield Tigers
It was a day of mixed fortunes for Wattles Junior Warriors at Platz Oval last Saturday against the Tenterfield Tigers in magnificent weather.
The program com-menced with some positive results in the Under 7 and 9 matches, and concluded with the Warriors Under 17’s thumping their opponents 48 – 0.
Hamblin Builders Under 17 - While Coach Shane Wright was more than pleased with his team’s performance that further cements their second placing on the premiership ladder.
Wattles started in top gear when five-eight Hamish Gartery in the corner to have Wattles leading 4 – 0.
Scrambling defence from the Tigers held Wattles at bay in the early stages but when halfback Billy Peardon kicked ahead to score after ten minutes it was the start of a five try rush by the home side.
Wattles led 30 – 0 at the break before running in another four second half touchdowns to seal the victory.
Wattles 46 (Dante Shephard-Picton 2, Bryce Stewart 2, Jack Phelan, Hamish Gartery, Billy Peardon, Atticus Sullivan, Corey Deehan, Sam Gilmore tries; Ben Barbierato 3, Bryce Stewart goals) defeated Tenterfield 0.
Willett Electrical Under 7 - Wattles Under 7 side strung together another outstanding game against Tenterfield, fantastic in attack scoring sixteen tries.
Scorers included Hunter Gault (3), James Johnson (3), Lawson McPherson (2), Bre Ryan (2), Jonah Schwenke, Charlie Boom, Patrick Ehrlich, Zac Cobbin, Hudson Jones and Keighley Shannon.
Coach Jared Gault continues to be impressed with how much the team continues to improve each week, “well done under 7’s, keep up the good work”.
Dalrymple Landscape & Haulage Under 9 - Wattles impressive Under 9 line-up enjoyed a good win against Tenterfield running in eight tries to two.
It was a fine team effort with all players putting in good performance according to coach Chris Ryan.
Hunter Ryan showed his ability crossing for two tries, as did Will Erlich who was also back to his tackling best.
The Saddlier boys Isaac and Jack each crossed for touchdowns as did Rhys Gascoyne and Henry Johnson.
“The team can now enjoy their holidays knowing they have excelled in their abilities so far this season” said coach Ryan.
Clifton Auto Ag Services, Warwick Under 11 - Coach Russell McMillan couldn’t be happier with the effort of his Under 11 line-up against Tenterfield.
“The team passed well, played some fine attacking footy and defended strongly against their bigger opponents.”
Jackson Shannon was superb in his front-row enforcer roll, “he gets better every week.”
Levi Zadow impressed in the halves, Tom Peters in the forwards while Malea Moore posted her best game in what is her first season of rugby league.
Nutrien Harcourts Clifton Under 13 - Wattles undefeated all conquering Under 13 line-up overwhelmed their Tenterfield opponents 44 – 6 after leading 20 – 0 at half time, rolling in nine tries in the one sided outing.
Outstanding hooker Jack Burton showed the Tigers a clean pair of heels as he ran in an amazing five touchdowns.
Winger Zavier Dalsanto and lock forward Hugh Denny both collected a brace of tries each.
Wattles conversions were kicked by Ty Betts (3) and Declan Fogarty.
Denny along with fellow forwards Bailey Naumann and Jake Lyons impressed as did quality centre Archer Steinhardt.
All In Electrical Under 15 Girls League Tag - The undefeated Tenterfield Under 15 League Tag team showed their many talents to finish ahead of Wattles 48 - 12.
In the first half the home side matched Tenterfield team trailing 12 – 20 at the break.
The relentless pressure by such well drilled opponents eventually overwhelmed in the second stanza to see the game slip away from Wattles.
Coach George Berry wasn’t convinced the full-time score was a true indication of how well his team played.
“Our forwards are making good ground in the middle of the field of late and our backs are in very good form as a result.”
“The players coming off the bench are also making an impact.”
Wattles try scorers included Alex Gilmore & Tilly Baty, with Alex Gilmore kicking two conversions.
Drayton Medical Centre Under 15 - A disappointing result saw Wattles Under 15’s suffer their first loss for the season against a Tenterfield side, 36 – 24, with the luxury of size and plenty of it.
Back in Round 2 Wattles racked up a 44 – 22 walloping over the Tigers at Tenterfield, but roles were certainly reversed on Saturday.
The Tigers out enthused the Warriors and jumped to an 18 – 0 lead after fifteen minutes.
Wattles couldn’t contain the bigger opposition bodies which is something coach Tom Duggan says “the side needs to work on.”
The Tigers proved their ability to score points quickly, while the Warriors need to polish up their defence.
A high point in the game was the try by front-rower Henry McMillan fifteen minutes from full time where he showed all the skills and speed from thirty metres out resulting in a spectacular touch down.
Wattles try scorers were Patty Denny (2), Harry Wright & Henry McMillan with Patty Denny kicking four conversions.
Club Hotel, Clifton Under 17 Ladies League Tag - Tenterfield’s premier-ship leading Under 17 League Tag ladies continued undefeated when they finished ahead of Wattles 18 – 4 in a very tough contest.
Tayah Wallis earned Wattles best player honours and also crossed for the teams only try.
Round 11 - Wattles juniors get to put their feet up for the next five long weeks, given the school holiday break that commences this weekend and a Round 10 Bye.
Most teams will then be on the road to continue the season in Round 11 against the MIT (Millmerran-Inglewood-Texas) Jets.
- Glyn Rees
