Sport
24 August, 2022
Wattles Under 17’s March to Grand Final
The Warwick Junior Rugby League entered the business end of the 2022 season last Saturday with a massive day of semi-final action at Goondiwindi’s Gilbert Oval on the path to Grand Final Day.
Under 13 - After a dominant first stanza Wattles Nutrien Harcourts Cooke Real Estate Under 13’s emerged 34 – 12 victors from their elimination semi-final final.
While they ran in four touchdowns before half time, goalkicking success was limited to one.
While leading 18 – 0, a patchy Warriors start to the second half saw the Tenterfield Tigers run in a pair of converted tries to haul themselves back into contention trailing 18-12.
But it was the shot in the arm the lads in green and gold needed to find another gear and add another eighteen unanswered points to the scoreboard and run away with the win.
Pack enforcer Henry McMillan and hooker Orry Gilmore set examples with the ball and in defence, while Marty May led the team around the park constructively.
Try scorers included Orry Gilmore (2), Jack Burton (2), and Henry McMillan, Will Peters, Callum Wallis and Hugh Denny a try apiece, along with a Ty Betts conversion.
Under 15 League Tag - Matilda Baty crossed for the Wattles Club Hotel Under 15 League tag team’s only try in an unfortunate 10 – 4 loss to Warwick’s Collegians that brings the curtain down on their season.
Coach Dan Wallis commended the young ladies on a sterling effort throughout 2022.
Under 15 - Wattles Drayton Medical Centre Under 15 team’s season also came to a halt after their 26 – 12 loss to Goondiwindi.
The Warriors were impressive early, with Rylan Marks scoring in the very first set of the match.
Wattles were well in the game until the later stages of the first stanza, after which Goondiwindi gathered momen-tum.
Atticus Sullivan and Harry Marshall kept their team in the grind with a pair of late tries, while Charlie Spina and Billy Peardon were dynamic in defence.
Coach Tom Duggan and trainer Jack Duggan were both very proud of the team for the efforts.
Under 17 League Tag - An outstanding 36 – 6 winning result over Eastern Suburbs has launched Wattles Club Hotel Under 17 League Tag ladies into the next stage of the finals series.
Wattles try scorers included Alex Gilmore (2), Reagan McMillan (2), Clare Parry and Stephanie Lyons who was also well on target kicking six conversions.
Under 17 - The Wattles Hamblin Builders Under 17 side are Grand Final bound after their 24 – 10 major semi-final win over Collegians.
Wattles played the near perfect first half to lead 20 – 4 at the break.
Coach Shane Wright was very impressed with all his squad of 22 players across the park, with all making a solid contribution.
With a playing break this weekend, Wattles will be fresh and at full strength to run on Grand Final day, including halfback Bryce Stewart who has been on the injury bench.
Wattles try scorers included Sam Gilmore, Hamish Gartery, Jack Wright, Lachlan Peardon and Drew Fogerty with Koby De Luca successful with two conversions.
Preliminary Finals - Wattles Under 13 and Under 16 League Tag teams head to Inglewood on Saturday, with both to play Collegians.
- Glyn Rees
