Glyn Rees, Allora Advertiser
The Stillwater Pastoral Company Wattles Warriors emerged from a torrid TRL Round 14 top grade clash with the Warwick Cowboys at Clifton’s Platz Oval on Sunday 14 – 12 victors in a match that lived up the spirited contest expected in a Southern Downs local derby.
The result could have gone either way between the two top end of the premiership ladder clubs, but it was Wattles that eventually took the honours in the three try to two outcome.
The result has Wattles level with the Dalby Diehards at third on the premiership ladder, behind Valleys (first), Gatton (second) and a rung above Warwick four fixtures out from the finals series, the business end of the season.
It was a successful day in magnificent weather for the Wattles Club, collecting wins in all three grades while celebrating their 2023 Old Boys Day that included a reunion of the 1998 Under 19 premiership winning team.
The A Grade line up wore Old Boys jerseys to mark the special day that were auctioned at an after-match function.
The Cowboys exerted their authority in the early stages of the game that was certainly defence intensive with Dan Conn and Tom Bell collecting tries to have their side leading 12 – 0 after seventeen minutes.
Wattles appeared on the back foot for much of the first stanza, but when their winger Jake Meddleton showed a clean pair of heels in a thirty-metre dash to touch down, the Warriors trailed 4 – 12 after 24 minutes.
It was ‘take no prisoners’ defence from both sides, with Warwick having the edge and halting the Warriors attacking opportunities for much of the first half.
But it was Wattles quicksilver centre Austin Jennings who scored five minutes prior to half time to have his team trailing 8 – 12 at the break.
While the Cowboys failed to bank further points over the final forty minutes, a Ty Gardner touchdown nineteen minutes from full time proved the deference.
The forward pack battle was an immense contest with the Cowboys Dan Conn, Haydn Raumati and Tom Bell among an ever-present force with classy lock forward Mitch Wilson outstanding across the part.
Wattles bench forward Noah Dwyer may have had limited time on field but he made it count taking out player of the match honours, with team skipper Ty Gardner and winger Meddleton also shining in a green and gold performance that thrilled coach Travis Burns.
Wattles 14 (Jake Meddleton, Austin Jennings, Ty Gardner tries; Barydon Paix goal) defeated Warwick 12 (Dan Conn, Tom Bell tries; Caleb Murphy 2 goals).
Reserve Grade – The coach couldn’t be happier with his reserve grade outfit’s prime 38 – 12 dominance over the Cowboys.
Experienced three-quarter Braydon Wilson was too difficult a package for the Cowboys in the second stanza, finishing at full time with a try hat trick.
The Warriors made tough work of it in the first half but eventually laid claim to a 12 – 8 half time advantage thanks to touchdowns by Wilson and Aiden Suhan, and two Alex Morris conversions.
Ryan Lewis came off the bench to post an impressive performance, his try in the opening minute of the new half setting the Warriors on the path to success.
The home side crossed for four tries to one in the second stanza courtesy of Wilson twice & winger Warren Draper, with half back Michael Duggan scoring to close the game out four minutes from time.
Duggan was one to shine throughout, along with backrower Garth Lonergan who was judged player of the match receiving the annual Peter Watt Memorial Medallion.
The medallion is awarded each year at an alternate venue in the Wattles verses Warwick reserve grade match to the best and fairest player in memory of Wattles and Warwick club stalwart the late Mr Peter Watt.
Wattles 38 (Braydon Wilson 3, Aiden Suhan, Ryan Lewis, Warren Draper, Michael Duggan tries; Alex Morris 5 goals) defeated Warwick 12 (Augustus MacDade, Logan McGrady-Dennison 2 tries).
Under 19 – Wattles Black Toyota, Warwick Under 19’s rode home to a convincing 28 – 16 victory over Warwick on the back of a powerhouse Aiden Suhan performance, the giant centre crossing for three tries and unlucky not to have more.
Suhan, who later ran on in reserve grade and scored a four-pointer, was a cog in a very impressive showing by the Warrior colts, as they further cemented their fourth place on the premiership ladder.
In a sterling team effort, frontrower Lane Eastwell, busy lock Rueben Sullivan and play making half Judd Rei were among those to guide the Warriors around the paddock.
Young Under 17 star Sam Gilmore was an ever present threat to the Cowboys pocketing two tries for his efforts.
Wattles held a firm 14 – 6 half time lead before running in four second half tries to two on their way to victory.
Wattles 28 (Aiden Suhan 3, Sam Gilmore 2, Judd Rei tries; Koby de Luca 2 goals) defeated Warwick 16 (Martin Bell, Jeffrey Ross, Isaac Wickham tries; Jonah Duncan 2 goals)
TRL Round 15 – Wattles v Pittsworth at Club Pittsworth, Saturday 29 July.
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 26 July 2023.
