Sport
20 April, 2023
Warriors Nail Winning Hat Trick over Tigers
The Wattles Warriors adjusted their season focus on Sunday at Platz Oval scooping the pool against the luckless Southern Suburbs Tigers as they nailed wins across all grades in front of a big crowd.
A grade coach Travis Burns was pleased with his charges across the paddock in their 42 – 4 win, especially their defence.
Exciting fullback Matthew Christensen rose to the occasion.
He was in everything across the eighty minutes showing a more than generous dose of class in an above average Wattles attacking game.
In recognition Christensen collected Player of the Match honours and was also judged the Toowoomba Rugby League Player of the Round for Round 2.
Winger Mitch Bourke also enjoyed a cracking game harvesting a hat trick of tries helping to usher the Warriors to a vital victory.
Bourke was denied a four-pointer in the fourth minute when his effort was ruled a double movement.
But just six minutes later giant free running front rower Mitch Duff crashed over for the home sides initial try.
Bourke claimed his elusive first try, on hand in support as Christensen broke through in the twentieth minute.
Tries by Jake Meddleton and Tom Morris saw the Warriors head to half time comfortably ahead 22 – 0.
“Our back five were in sensational form” said Burns, “Matty Christensen at the back, wingers Jake Meddleton and Mitch Bourke along with centres Nick Van Der Poel and Austin Jennings”.
The team mentor also heaped praise on his halves five-eight Tom Morris and halfback Brayden Paix.
“It was a special day for Tommy especially, after marrying Holly McNamara on Saturday”, and he was rewarded with a classy try against the Tigers to add to the celebrations, running off ‘The Boss’ and team skipper Ty Gardner just prior to half time.
On the negative side Wattles lost seasoned forward performer Aaron Scheid with a knee injury that will likely rule him out for some weeks.
Burns’ line-up is gelling in place to near full strength for the coming Warwick Cowboys clash.
Premiership winning forward Ryan Stevens is expected to line up for his debut 2023 appearance however impact bench star Brendan McBride will continue to be a short-term absentee.
Saturday evenings Wattles verses Cowboys clash won’t be for the faint of heart, as the emotion fuelled Cowboys, fresh after a big win over Oakey last weekend, strive for the premiership points and the prestigious Basil Nolan Memorial Trophy.
Well known and respected community member Basil Nolan Jnr enjoyed a very close involvement with the Warwick Cowboys over his lifetime, and sadly lost his life in a farm accident in 2018.
He is remembered in local rugby league circles with the trophy bearing his name contested annually between Warwick and Wattles.
Wattles 42 (Mitchell Duff, Mitchell Bourke 3, Jacob Meddleton, Tom Morris, Brayden Paix, Matthew Christensen tries; Braydon Paix 5 goals). Southern Suburbs 4.
Reserve Grade - Draper Threesome Launches Victory - Livewire ‘Tony Morris Tiling’ Wattles Reserve Grade winger Warren Draper scored three tries as his Warriors outfit took their game by the throat on Sunday on their way to a 42 – 4 success.
Draper crossed in the second, sixth, and 27th minutes to have Wattles ahead 16 – 0, before experienced centre Tim Hentschel tapped in with a try double to present the home side with a 28 – 0 half time lead.
Bustling centre Brayden Wilson touched down twice after the restart with hard toiling back-rower Tom Duggan also rewarded with a try.
Front row skipper Jordan Henry impressed with his powerful running and defence, while Drapper and Hentschel shone in the backs.
Former Toowoomba Brothers back Jessy Hammermeister is another to impress, especially given he drives from Meandarra to run on in green and gold.
Coach Tony Morris showered accolades on his team who have a three from three winning record, undefeated this season to date.
“We had a good pre-season, and while our two fixture rounds are excellent, our line up isn’t quite set as yet.
“The lads are working to the game plan and displaying a fierce will to win.”
The Warriors will need all of that against Warwick this Saturday, despite their match shortened pre-season trial success, but Morris is confident his line-up is up to the task.
Wattles 42 (Warren Draper 3, Tim Hentschel 2, Brayden Wilson 2, Tom Duggan tries; Jordan Henry 5 goals). Southern Suburbs 4.
Under 19 – Marley Leads Warriors to Initial Season Win - Hard toiling forward Marley Tunstead set the example for his team mates against Souths with a superb effort that underlined Wattles hard fought 40 – 22 success over the Tigers.
Coach Cameron Hamblin credited all his team members, but singled out Tunstead given his inspiring performance.
Gifted five-eight Judd Rei was also among the Warriors to fire with his impressive kicking game, along with classy forward George Nott.
Bench player Sam Gilmore was another to make his presence felt in a fine team effort.
“Our completion rate was a significant improvement on last week, and we’ll need to maintain that against the Cowboys.”
The Warriors drew 16 all with Warwick in the pre-season trial, and are focused on going one better on Saturday.
Wattles 40 (Aiden Suhan 2, Harry Schwenke, Chris Watt, Daniel Morris, Lachlan Hearn, Koby De Luca tries; Koby De Luca 6 goals). Southern Suburbs 22.
Toowoomba Rugby League Rond 3 - Wattles v Warwick – Father Ranger Oval, Warwick, Saturday, April 22nd. Under 19 - 3.30 pm. Reserve Grade - 5.00 pm. A Grade - 6.30 pm
- Glyn Rees
