Sport
7 September, 2024
Under 15 Warriors Heading to ‘Big Dance’
The Glen McMillan coached ‘Drayton Medical Centre’ Wattles Under 15 Junior Rugby League team will run on to the McIntyre Sports Complex oval at Inglewood on Saturday to do battle with the Warwick based Collegians Dragons in the Warwick & District Junior Rugby League blue ribbon day of season deciders.
Along with Wattles Under 15 boy’s line-up, the 15 Girls League Tag, Under 17 Boys and Under 18 Girls teams tasted preliminary final action at Goondiwindi’s Gilbert Oval.
Wattles only lost one of their fifteen season fixtures, finishing with Minor Premiership honours.
Both sides are well qualified for the Under 15 grades top contest, out of four on field meetings they can boast two wins apiece.
The Warriors got underway against the Tigers without the hiccups of recent weeks, “our team cohesion was impressive” said coach McMillan.
The green and gold defensive effort was also on high, with Archer Steinhardt setting an admirable example.
Ball control showed some blemishes and can definitely improve, but nevertheless the Warriors put together some classy tries on their way to victory.
Go forward front-rower Joe Llewellyn, lock Jack Burton, hooker Orry Gilmore and fullback Ben Rauchle were among those whose performances inspired the victory, while Riley Fitzgerald and Archer Steinhardt shared Man of the Match honours.
Wattles 32 (Ben Rauchle 2, Jack Burton 2, Orry Gilmore, Hugh Denny tries; Ty Betts 4 goals) defeated Tenterfield 12.
All In Electrical Under 15 Girls League Tag - The curtain tumbled on the season of Wattles Under 15 Girls League Tag team on Saturday after a 20 – 4 loss where they threw out a very commendable challenge to the premiership high flyers.
Of the eighteen girls who took the field for Wattles this season, twelve had never played league tag before, and with an average age of just under thirteen, “it was an amazing achievement to make finals at all” said coach George Berry.
“As usual, the girls played exceptionally well, however the football gods weren’t on our side.”
Farm Spray Under 17 - Coach Matt Christensen rated his Under 17 Warriors effort in the slim preliminary loss to Goondiwindi an outstanding effort in a very hard-fought contest eventually going down 20 – 24.
Wattles defence did step up, the boys really showed the pride in their jersey by only allowing in a single try from ten minutes of red zone attack.”
“Alas from there, luck went with the Boars” according to coach Christensen.
Goondiwindi 24 defeated Wattles 20 (Patty Denny, Charlie Spina, Tyson Saville tries ; Billy Peardon 4 goals).
Club Hotel, Clifton Under 18 Girls - Despite a 16 – 20 loss, Wattles Under 18 girls got away to a positive start posting the first try in the opening ten minutes against top of the table Tenterfield in their Preliminary Final.
Tenterfield were quick to respond, and the game swung back-and-forth on the scoreboard.
Wattles’ Billie Gorringe managed to break through three strong tackles, setting up Lilly Rutherford to score her first try of the season.
The match was also Lilly’s debut in tackle rugby league, and her efforts saw he deservedly named Player of the Match.
Coach Bill Gorringe commended his players, “despite the intense heat, all the girls played exceptionally well.”
Unfortunately for Wattles, Tenterfield made a strong comeback in the second half, ultimately tipping the game in their favour.
After what was their final game of the season, coach Gorringe extend his heartfelt thanks to all the young players for their hard work throughout the year.
“It was our first time playing tackle, and we all enjoyed the competition, giving it our best effort. I wish all the girls the best in their future endeavours, whether they choose to continue with the game or pursue other interests, as each of you has your own unique strengths.”
Grand Final Fever - Saturday will see the MIT Jets JRL Club host the Warwick & District Junior Rugby League Grand Finals, with the program commencing at 9.00 am.
McIntyre Sports Complex, Inglewood – 07-09-2024
Under 15 Boys 11.40 am Collegians v Wattles
Diary Note: Wattles Junior Rugby League Club Presentation Day, 10 am Sunday 8th September, Platz Oval Clubhouse.
Glyn Rees
