Sport
27 March, 2025
Wattles Junior Warriors Kick-Off Season
The Granite Belt hosted a great day of junior rugby league when Wattles ventured south to take on the Stanthorpe Junior Gremlins at Crisp and Sullivan Ovals in Stanthorpe.
It was a busy weekend indeed for those in green and gold, along with the journey for the season opening pre-season trials at Stanthorpe, Wattles were represented by their Under 13 boys’ outfit at the annual Walker Weekend Challenge at Valleys rugby league club in Toowoomba.
Wattles President Aaron Gilmore praised the efforts of all involved with Wattles, “it’s certainly great to see junior rugby league underway again, the enthusiasm and smiles, bring on the season”, Wattles Junior Rugby League Club’s 45th season.
Wattles ran on teams representing age grades in Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17 and Under 15 Girls League Tag.
Under 6 - Coach Brandon Sauverain noted an early game day start in Stanthorpe didn’t mean his match keen Under 6’s avoided the warm conditions for their initial season trial with it being hot and humid upon arrival.
But regardless of the temperature, the next generation of Wattles Warriors were certainly eager to give rugby league a try!
The match provided an excellent display of the fundamentals shown by all of the U6’s.
William ‘Billy’ Byrne, Cody ‘Koko’ Williams, Dustin Sauverain and Jack Johnstone laying on some great tries.
In addition to some defensive nouse shown by Archie Yarrow, Frederick ‘Fred’ Wilson and George Ferguson getting plenty of tags.
It was a great first game had by all the youngest Warriors with piles of smiles and high-fives.
More importantly, plenty of excitement already for next week’s game against the Gatton Hawks at home."
Under 8 - It was a grand season opening for the Rod Johnstone coached Wattles Under 8 team arriving in Stanthorpe to ideal conditions and a welcoming opposition.
Unfortunately, our young Warriors were a short-sided line-up of six against ten.
The Under 8’s enthusiasm was pushed to the limit with the temperature rising and no rest for the boys from the sideline.
Lessons were learnt, and fun was had when they were questioned.
Under 9 - Under 9 team mentor Josh Macpherson first year coach felt his Wattles Under 9 team enjoyed a terrific first trial game to commence the 2025 season.
“The team displayed wonderful organisational skills and defence. It was an excellent team effort” smiled Josh.
Under 15 GLT - Wattles Under 15 girls took the field for their first match of 2025 on Saturday, a contest that saw them finish behind the strong Stanthorpe outfit.
The first half has Wattles struggling to find their groove not helped by a low completion rate, with the home side capitalising on the situation.
A try late in the second half to Ella Morris was just what Wattles needed going into the break.
The second half was a great effort from the girls who improved all areas of their game.
Emelia Hoey’s defence from marker was outstanding.
Her efforts were rewarded with a try in the second half, while Mia Berry kicked 1 from 2 conversions.
Pre-Season Trial Number 2 - Wattles Juniors host the Gatton Junior Hawks this Saturday March 29th on home turf at Platz Oval.
Matches commence at 9.00 am with the Under 6 League Tag, Under 7 and Under 8 all on the complex back field, and will continue under the Under 15 match that runs on at 1.50 pm.
Wattles teams in action against the Hawks include Under 6 LT, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and Under 15 Girls League Tag.
Walker Weekend Challenge – All details next week! Don’t miss it!
Glyn Rees
