Warriors Remain Unbeaten Champion fullback Jackson Green survived a severe first half knock to score the final of Wattles eight tries in yesterday’s Toowoomba Rugby league Round 6 top of the table clash against the Highfields ‘Eagles’ at a windy & chilly Platz Oval. Wattles maintained their undefeated status and the TRL A Grade premiership lead after defeating Highfields 42 – 28, kicking on from a 26 – 6 half time lead. Coach Luke Duggan was disappointed with his side’s final twenty minutes of play, “we played well for sixty minutes, we’ll be focusing on that this week, but it was great to get the win over such a good side”. Jackson Green scored the opening try of the match in the first minute of play running off Matt Duggan in traffic, before being felled in a heavy tackle in the 18th minute. The gallant fullback recovered to play a major role in Wattles success, he and halfback Matt Duggan shining in Wattles attack. Front-rower Pat Manley has been missing from the ‘Warriors’ line up the past two fixtures, but filed a ‘Man of the Match’ performance against the ‘Eagles’. Back –rower Mitch Koina returned to the field in the 27th minute for the first time since the 2013 finals series after shoulder surgery, and scored a try on the end of a thirty metre gallop with his first touch of the ball. Highfields coach Dan Sparksman was happy with his outside backs, particularly Matthew Charnock and Sean Hamil, while experienced front rower Eugene Seddon led his charges from the front. ‘Eagles’ talented five-eight Jeffrey Nielsen scored in the eighth minute to have Highfields ahead 6 – 4, before the home side ran in 22 unanswered points through four tries to have a comfortable lead at the break. After leading 38 – 6 at the 45 minute mark, Wattles went off the boil and Highfields lifted to score four tries in a little over twenty minutes. Green’s second try midway through the second stanza locked in the result for Wattles. The match saw tempers boilover in the later stages, Highfields reduced to 11 men for the final minutes of the game, Wattles to twelve. Wattles 42 (Jackson Green 2, Tim Hentschel, Brod Koina, Matt Duggan, Mitch Koina, Dale McAntee tries; Matt Duggan 5 goals) defeated Highfields 28 (Jeffrey Nielsen 2, Matthew Chamock, Aaron Thompson, Sean Hamel tries; Aaron Thompson 4 goals) Reserve Grade. Coach Glen McMillan was thrilled with the effort of his reserve grade side who defeated Highfields 34 – 22 to claim their first competition points of the year. The ‘Warriors’ led 16 – 12 at half time, with winger Jim Johnson scoring a deserved try with a clever chip kick in the final minutes of the game to seal the victory. Johnson was rewarded for his efforts in a strong all round game with two tries, front-rowers Jason Nightingale & Carl Gale and hooker Alex Griffiths all among Wattles better performers. Wattles 34 (James Johnson 2, Alex Griffiths, Carl Gale, Jason Nightingale, Tom Lunney tries; Brodie Frizzell 4, Will manley goals) defeated Highfields 22 (David Elara 2, Abby Duncan 2, tries; Brandan Cubby 2, Gary Walters goals). Under 18 After leading 14 – 0 against top of the table Highfields at half time, the ‘Eagles’ emerged for the second half to score 28 unanswered points and snatch victory from the ‘Warriors’. Wattles attacked was affected with the loss of the Morris brothers Joe & Nick with injury late in the first half. Mobile prop Harry Fulwood made major yardage up mid-field, a constant concern for the opposition, while lock forward Max Somes and front-rower Mitchell Duff were also among the better ‘Warriors’ on the day. Lock forward Somes scored to add to his season total now standing at eight tries from six matches, Wattles leading try scorer in all grades. Highfields 28 (Jared Faux, Jack Weribone, Jarara Oliver, Glen Twidale, Danny Dean tries; Ben George 4 goals) defeated Wattles 14 (Max Somes, Will Bashford, Jack Rubie tries; Nick Morris goal) (Detailed report later)
Posted on: Sun, 04 May 2014 07:33:43 +0000
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