Sport
13 September, 2024
Wattles Warriors Curtain Falls on 2024
The 2024 Toowoomba Rugby League season curtain fell for the Wattles Warriors reserve grade team in Sunday’s Preliminary Final after finishing behind the Valleys Roosters 28 – 10 at Toowoomba’s Clive Berghofer Stadium.
The grinding game was anyone’s at half time, before Valleys found a few extra legs to exert their authority across the second stanza, running in four tries to one across the final thirty-five minutes.
Valleys’ hard fought success ushers them into next Sunday’s reserve grade grand final against the Minor Premiers Warwick Cowboys.
The Roosters snatched an early lead through their fullback Curtly Hammond off the back of a chip kick by five-eighth Jaren Bender to lead 4 – 0 in a tightly contested first half.
Wattles finally broke onto the scoreboard when centre Brayden Wilson crashed over in the corner six minutes prior to the half time hooter, and with a sensational sideline conversion by halfback Tom Morris, Wattles went to the break with a 6 – 4 advantage.
Roosters’ winger Uraia Korol crossed for what could be considered the touchdown of the match with his outstanding eighty metre individual effort five minutes into the new half.
The Korol try eased Valleys ahead 10 – 6, and when team mate and second rower Jake Lawry scored the first of his try double for the game, the Roosters surged further ahead 16 - 6 with twenty minutes to play.
With twelve minutes remaining on the match clock Curtly Hammond added to his shining performance with a second four-pointer, the Roosters taking a firm grip leading 22 – 6 as they worked to shut the game out.
While time was of the essence, Wattles were kept in touch at 10 - 22 when second rower Jordan Henry shaped to pass and held up the defence before a fifteen-metre charge reaped a vital try as the game wound down.
The second Jake Lawry touchdown put paid to Wattles’ 2024 season, as Valleys reached their winning 28 - 10 total and booked a ticket to the Grand Final and a chance to defend their 2023 premiership.
Ever dependable back rower Nick Morris was a premium performer for the Warriors, while bench forward Jordan Henry was another to excel.
Coach Tony Morris who completed his second season coaching the Wattles reserve graders commented, “it was certainly a tough day but that’s footy.”
“The boys had a solid first half, but as has been the case at times this season, they never brought that form out of the dressing shed after half time.
“Valleys were in great form, and have been admirable opponents over the season.”
Coach Shaun Weatherall rated his Roosters forwards Joe Mua, and Jake Lawry, along with fullback Curtly Hammond and centre Sam Lawry among his best, “the lads were very good for us.”
“Our team’s second half defence was one of our strengths, we kept showing up and working hard for each other.
“Our completion rate in the second half was also a bonus, we controlled the ball a lot better and were able to put points on the board.”
The Wattles Preliminary Final Reserve Grade team:
1. Josh Henry, 2. Alex Morris, 3. Lachlan Henry, 4. Braydon Wilson, 5. Isaac Leach, 6. Ryan Stevens, 7. Tom Morris, 8. Garth Lonergan, 9. Zac Stevens, 10. Dan Rub, 11. Tim Duggan, 12. Nick Morris, 13. Jack Duggan, 14. Michael Duggan, 15. Aaron Scheid, 16. Marley Tunstead, 17. John Lazzaroni, 18. Jordan Henry, 19. Ryan Duggan, 20. Paul Christensen.
Valleys 28 (Curtly Hammond 2, Jake Lawry 2, Uraia Korol, tries Jaren Bender 4 goals) Wattles 10 (Braydon Wilson Jordan Henry tries Tom Morris goal).
Wattles Success at Toowoomba Rugby League Awards
The Wattles Rugby League Club boasted a healthy representation at last Friday evening’s 2024 Toowoomba Rugby League Season Presentations at the Clive Berghofer Grande Atrium, Clifford Park.
Wattles have to be happy with their 58th season since formation in 1966, with their Under 19, Reserve Grade and A Grade teams all qualifying for the TRL finals series.
Awards –
Top Point scorer A Grade - Brayden Paix
TRL Men’s Team of the Year -
Centre - Matthew Christensen
Front Rower - Cooper Tate-Roche
Hooker - Thomas Hatch
McGovern/O’Shea Medal reserve grade Best & Fairest Player - Tom Morris
Frank Purcell Memorial Trophy overall player with most points all grades - Brayden Paix
Wattles RLF Club TRL ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Nominee – Amanda O’Halloran
For the Diary: Wattles RLF Club 2024 Annual Banquet & Presentation Function, Friday 27th September, F.E. Logan Hall, Clifton.
- Glyn Rees
