Sport
3 July, 2026
Danes brave bid to reclaim Shield falls short
The Pittsworth Danes A grade side narrowly missed out on reclaiming the Jack Duggan-Gary Sutton Shield after an outstanding weekend of football at Platz Oval in Clifton against Wattles Warriors.
Every year, highly respected rugby league identities Gary Sutton of the Pittsworth Danes and the late Jack Duggan of the Allora-Clifton Wattles Warriors, are honoured with the presentation of their perpetual shield, recognising decades of devotion to their respective clubs and the game of rugby league.
Mr Sutton was at the helm of the Danes as Club President from 2001-05 and again from 2007-09.
He is a Life Member of both Pittsworth and Toowoomba Rugby League Clubs.
The Jack Duggan-Gary Sutton Shield has been contested annually since 2023, and Pittsworth hit the field on Sunday ready to reclaim the title from Wattles Warriors.
A Grade
With another raft of changes following last week’s match, Pittsworth started the game with totally different energy and effort compared to the previous week.
The starting middles of Liam Short, Cody Evans and Zac Kahler started tremendously and were the more physical team against a much larger pack.
Laurie Jocumsen had a couple of nice touches to set up tries for Tom O’Sullivan and Aaron Sillitoe for the Danes to take a well-earned 10-0 lead.
Pittsworth was desperate defensively and held that lead into half-time and for the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Unfortunately the Danes were left with no healthy players on the bench with 30 minutes remaining in the match so all players had to dig deep.
The scores were level at full time but an unfortunate penalty on a Wattles’ field goal attempt after the siren allowed the Warriors to kick the penalty goal and run out victors 12-10.
Pittsworth face Souths at home this week.
- Quinny, Briggsy & Shorty
Reserve Grade
The team made it three victories in a row after winning 18-8 against Wattles in Clifton on Sunday, consistently turning up and working hard for each other in defence, forcing mistakes and frustrating the opposition.
Complimenting the defence efforts, the Danes showed discipline playing to a structure that we have been working towards, all season.
With several players unavailable, under 19s players again stepped up to compensate, providing impact off the bench.
Kody Rivett scored two tries out wide.
A lot of positives from the game gives us confidence moving forward with our top five push for the finals.
All players contributed well but Players’ Player votes went to Chris Sillitoe, Darby Manktelow and Tysne Stevens.
- Trent & Witchy
Under 19
A tough day at the office, but the boys showed plenty of character.
In a hard-fought contest, we found our way to win 24-18 with local sprinter Tyson “Gout Gout” Moore sealing the win in the dying seconds, burning the defence on a runaway try.
We had to overcome some very questionable calls that seemed to keep Wattles in the game.
To the boys’ credit they never lost their composure.
Discipline was a massive improvement and that was one of the most pleasing parts of the game.
There are still areas we need to tidy up, but winning against tough teams like this is what good teams do.
Resilience, patience and willingness to stick together when things aren’t going our way showed plenty of maturity.
Focus shifts to this week’s home game as we look to build momentum and chase three wins on the trot.
- Caleb
