Sport
21 March, 2024
Juniors a tower of strength over Gremlins
Wattles Juniors have certainly hit the ground running as the 2024 Warwick & District Junior Rugby League season awakens.
After three consecutive weekends of pre-season trials, club President Aaron Gilmore and his committee are more than pleased with their teams, officials and volunteers as they steer towards the commencement of official fixtures on April 20th.
Wattles juniors have ventured to Pittsworth to take on the junior Danes, and hosted the Tenterfield Tigers and last Sunday the Stanthorpe Gremlins in successive weeks.
Against the Gremlins Wattles fielded all teams but for Under 12’s, the Gremlins lacking a team in that age group.
Clifton Upholstery Under 6
Coach Nick Van Der Poel has quite a bit on his mind this week given he will be one of the Wattles senior A Grade teams key players in Saturday evenings Barrett Family Shield clash at Platz Oval.
But he couldn’t speak highly enough of his Under 6 side in just their second game for the season, “the young players certainly improved on their last performance.”
Bailey was in fine form throughout, along with Jack both defending in impressive fashion.
Ollie and Billy’s running game resulted in some classy tries.
Murphy, Billy and Dustin were effective in both attack and defence, crossing for tries and tackling well in just their second game of league.
Railway Hotel, Allora Under 8
Coach Jared Gault showered praise on his very capable Under 8 line-up, “they showcased an outstanding performance against Stanthorpe.”
Hunter Gault and James Johnson led the charge with three touchdowns each, followed by Patrick Ehrlich with a double and Bre Ryan who also crossed to add to the result.
The team's exceptional defence was highlighted by stellar performances from Jonah Schwenke, Braxton Harper, Lawson McPherson, and Charlie Boom.
Clifton Auto Ag Services Under 11
Malakai Darlington shone in a classy performance by the Wattles Under 11’s over the Gremlins, he impressed with a fine running game and defensive effort.
Noah Schwenke’s kicking game was on song and, and he also crossed for a hat trick of tries.
Under 11 team newcomer Levi Grogan proved to be a welcome edition in the forwards.
According to Coach Josh Schwenke, “all in all a great performance by all the Under 11 Warriors.”
Nutrien Harcourts Clifton Under 13
Co-coach Rylan Saville rated his Under 13 side’s win over the Gremlins highly, especially considering they were missing some troops and drafted some Under 12 players up a grade for the game.
Team highlights included defence, their ability to spread the ball to the edges, and set completion.
Noah Hart, Ben butler, Thomas Patterson, Jed Hinz, Nate Murdoch and Jade Bailey shone throughout the match.
Wattles tries went to Jade Bailey (3), Nate Murdoch, Jed Hinz & Thomas Patterson; with Jed Hinz and Adam Butler on target with a goal each.
All In Electrical under 15 girls League Tag
Wattles U15 league tag team came up against a talented Stanthorpe line up, but considering the youth and inexperience in those wearing green and gold, they put in a solid effort.
Led by a brilliant performance by team Captain Teeah Davis and backed up by fullback Zoey Sweet, the girls did themselves proud.
“Being such a young team, they are still finding their feet” said Coach George Berry, “they will only improve with more time on the field.”
Highlights of the game were a full field chase and tag centimetres before the try line by Teeah Davis and an impressive try to Zoey Sweet from well inside our own half.
Teeah Davis, Zoey Sweet, Tori Sweet and Lily Hinz were impressive in the backs, with Mia Berry, Roxy Williams and Olivia Brady making an impact in the forwards.
Coach Berry is looking forward to seeing what this young team is capable of as the season commences.
Drayton Medical Centre Wattles Under 15
Stanthorpe were no match for the Wattles Under 15 line-up, the Warriors combinations and completions giving them a hefty edge on the scoreboard.
Coach Glen McMillan was particularly impressed with his forward pack and their consistent ground gains up mid field.
Zac Wheeldon, Angus McArther and Patty Baty shone in the Wattles result.
Hamblin Building Under 17
Wattles Under 17 outfit nailed a thrilling 28-24 win over the Gremlins, with Charlie Spina (2), Patrick Fitzgerald, Rylan Marks & Jack Phelan crossing for touchdowns. Ben Barbierato impressed kicking three 3 goals from 4 attempts, Billy Peardon also successful with a goal.
Patrick Fitzgerald was Wattles shining light throughout, he barely missed a tackle while breaking the line with regularity.
Rylan Marks posted one of his best performances, running with purpose whenever in possession making the tackles that needed to be made.
Brown Steel Walker Weekend Challenge
Wattles Under 13 team will be in action in Toowoomba this Saturday in the Walker Weekend Challenge.
The Two-Day Challenge is named after the Walker family who have had such a close association with the Valleys Club in Toowoomba.
Walker brothers Ben, Shane and Chris have all played at NRL level, while Ben’s son Sam is currently in the halves for the Sydney City Roosters.
Last year, the Glen McMillan coached Wattles Under 13’s emerged from the Challenge on the final day as giant killers outlasting a fiercely competitive Dalby Diehards outfit 4 - 0 in the Division 2 final to hoist the Shane Walker Shield.
- Glyn Rees
