Sport
22 May, 2025
Wattles Juniors First Away Games in New Comp
History was made involving Wattles Junior Rugby League Club on Sunday when the Under 13, Under 13/14 Development Cup, Under 15 and Under 17 teams played the first away fixtures in the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League (TJRL) competition.
Host club was the Highfields Eagles.
Wattles Juniors Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and Under 15 Girls League Tag teams travelled to Stanthorpe on Saturday to challenge the junior Gremlins in Warwick & District JRL fixtures.
Under 6 - the youngest Warriors enjoyed their match against the Gremlins. Coach Brandon Sauverain said there have been noticeable improvements in his side, particularly in defence and talking to each other. Stand out games by Kodi (Coco) Williams, Dustin Sauverain, Fergus Thompson-Cleary and George Ferguson.
Under 7 - Another up-market performance by Wattles’ U7 line-up against Gremlins. Plenty of tags by Bailee Monckton, Rupert Ferguson, Eli Richards and Aubrey Thompson-Cleary, while Ollie Van Der Poel, Murphy Knight and Jack Wilson excelled with their attacking game.
Under 8 - An understaffed U8 Wattles’ line-up met a Stanthorpe side double the Warriors’ numbers. Thanks to great sportsmanship the Gremlins provided a few of their own to balance the scales. “Both sides were as keen as each other and displayed some great hit ups and cracking tackles,” coach Rod Johnston said.
Under 9 - The U9s handled the Gremlins with finesse, always on the front foot and not giving up when the game got tough. A continuing positive is the team’s improvement in defence.
Under 10 - While they started strongly against the Gremlins, Wattles’ U10 side had a patchy first stanza. “The boys lacked a little cohesion,” coach Luke Townsend said.. The young Warriors’ second half was much improved showing they are heading in the right direction.
Under 11 - The green and gold U11s accounted for the Gremlins with an eight try to one victory. “It was very pleasing to see the boys play as a team in attack” coach Chris Ryan said, “strong running, some good offloads and impressive support play proving very effective in the result.” Wattles’ try scorers: Rhys Gascoyne (2), Jack Browne, Henry Johnson, William Ehrlich, Tommy Saville, Hunter Ryan and Patrick Potts.
Under 12 - It was a battle for the forwards for the U12s, with plenty of big hit-ups from Levi Grogan, James Mason and Liam Hoey. Marcus Potts and Hugh Spain had great games in attack and defence, while Rylee Boom’s composure was a highlight and has made the fullback position his own.
Under 13. - Highfields 24, Wattles 4 (Jackson McMillan try) .
Under 13/14 Development Cup - Highfields 38, Wattles 4 (Jade Bailey try).
Under 15 - Wattles 32 (Dominic Kirby 2, Nash Schwenke 2, Archer Steinhardt, Zavier Dalsanto tries; Cooper Locke 3 goals) defeated Highfields 30.
Under 17 - Wattles 24 (Kuda Ackland, Tom Beresford, Patrick Denny, Zac Wheeldon tries; Patrick Denny 3, Malakai Steinhardt goals) defeated Highfields 16.
This Saturday at Platz Oval Wattles junior and senior clubs from Under 6 to the senior club’s A Grade clash with Goondiwindi.
The Junior Warriors Under 6 to Under 12s along with Under 15 Girls League Tag at Platz Oval match up against the Goondiwindi Juniors, matches from 9am.
Toowoomba Junior Rugby League fixtures have Wattles Under 13 to 17 years age grades also at Platz Oval playing hosts to the Goondiwindi Boars and the Oakey Bears.
- Glyn Rees
