Glyn Rees, Allora Advertiser
Coach Bill Gorringe couldn’t be happier and prouder as he witnessed an amazing match display by ‘The Club Hotel – Clifton’ Wattles Under 18 girls’ squad, “they played a smashing game defeating Collegians in Warwick territory.”
Wattles supporters were certainly in numbers in what was a big crowd, and lapped up the excitement as the girls in green and gold overwhelmed all over the park on their way to a sensational 46 – 10 success after leading 32 – 6 at half time.
Regan McMillian crossed for the initial try after just five minutes, and continued to lead the way throughout.
Coach Gorringe thanked and showered praise on all his team members, “all the girls played their hearts out, with Jess Bateman named Player of the Match.
Regan McMillian and Eliza Morcom shone within a team of outstanding performances.
Under 15 Girls Spectacular Draw – Wattles ‘All In Electrical’ Under 15 league tag girls impressed immensely in what Coach George Berry rated “their most exciting game of the season.”
Although the final result was an 18 – 18 draw, it was the first time Wattles have matched it for a game entirety with one of the better sides in the premiership competition.
In the fast paced first half nothing separated the two teams until a brilliant try by Collegians on the stroke of halftime saw the score climb to 12 – 6 to the home side.
Wattles lifted in the new half, and so did the intensity of the game.
A converted try each from both teams kept the contest even before a miracle by Wattles saw them score beside the posts just eight seconds prior to full time.
With the successful conversion, the scoreboard was locked at the final tally of 18 all.
“The effort and skill level from this very young team increases every week” said Coach Berry, “and the fine result Collegians allow the girls much needed confi dence going into the finals.”
Wattles try scorers included Mia Berry (2) and Tori Sweet, while Zoey Sweet converted all three tries.
Massive Day of Junior League – It was a massive exhibition of junior rugby league at St Marks Sports Fields in Warwick on Saturday with the Collegians Dragons hosting the Wattles Warriors, the day doubling as a charity fundraiser hosted by Collegians supporting the McGrath Foundation.
Both sides took the field in Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 15 girls league ag, 17 boys and 18 girls.
While the season has come to a conclusion for many of the Wattles Juniors teams, the Under 13, 15, 15 girls, 17 and 18 girls now contest the finals in the hunt for end of season honours.
Wattles Engrossed in Finals Fever – Saturday will see the Stanthorpe Gremlins Rugby League Club host the Warwick & District Junior Rugby League Semi-Finals at their Sullivan and Crisp Ovals complex as the League’s 58th season eases towards completion.
Wattles semi-final match times – Saturday 24-08-2024, Crisp Oval, Stanthorpe –
- 9 am – Under 13 – Wattles v Tenterfield
- 10.15 am – Under 15 LT Wattles v Stanthorpe
- 12.35 pm – Under 17 – Wattles v Tenterfield Sullivan Oval, Stanthorpe –
- 11.20 am – Under 15 Wattles v Collegians
Diary Note: Wattles Junior Rugby League Club Presentation Day, 10 am Sunday 8th September, Platz Oval Clubhouse.
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 21 August 2024.
