By Casey OÇonnor
The Warwick Cowboy’s unbeaten start to the 2023 TRL Hutchinson Builders A grade season came to a halt at Gold Park, Toowoomba, the home of the South’s Tigers on Sunday.
Souths Tigers who already have some good wins under their belt this season snatched one of the prized scalps with a shock 32-8 win over the Cowboy’s in very cold and windy conditions.
Coach Col Speed said post-game the Tigers were simply too good on the day.
“They were full of enthusiasm and energy and credit to them for the win,” Speed said.
“We dug deep late in the first half to score two tries but were a little flat and in the second half.”
“It was a frustrating game.
“It was tough out there, but we failed to capitalise in the second half when we were running with the wind.”
The Tigers sprang out of the blocks showing plenty of intent and energy in the opening stages of the game and shocked the Cowboys taking a 16-nil lead after South’s winger Angus Wright and Zane Santarossa prop Luke Maiden all scored.
Warwick finally found their rhythm and momentum late in the second half. Winger Tyrelle Ross scored to put the Cowboys on the board.
Minutes later they backed with a try from their other winger Jake Speed. In the conditions neither conversion was successful and at the half-time break South held a handy 16-8 lead. The Cowboy’s found the conditions challenging in the first half where the strong wind favoured Souths who able to capitalise.
At the break South’s had completed 18 of 20 sets and deserved to be in front on the leader board.
In the second half the Cowboy’s were running with the wind but failed to make a dent in the Tigers strong defence.
Despite their concerted efforts Warwick failed to break through and for the first time in 2023 were held scoreless in the second half.
Tries to South’s Cooper Howlett, Anisi Finau and Clayton Flute. South’s captain Ben Cook added the extras on four occasions as the score ballooned to 32-8.
There was not a poor player across the park for the Tigers.
Luke Maiden deservedly named Player of the Match. Ben Cook led from the front keeping a cool head throughout the game. Souths were ultra consistent, and their completion rate was excellent in the conditions.
Warwick toiled hard but could not get a break through despite the efforts of the likes of
Dan Conn and Tate Brombal in the centre.
Luke Maiden also received three Webcke Price medal points. Warwick’s Dan Conn earned two points and South’s captain Ben Cook one point.
Souths 32 (Angus Wright, Anisi Finau, Zane Santarossa, Clayton Flute, Luke Maiden, Cooper Howlett tries Ben Cook 4 goals) defeated Warwick 8 (Tyrelle Ross, Jake Speed tries)
Warwick had more luck in Reserve Grade scoring a narrow 24-22 win despite a spirited second half comeback from the Tigers.
Warwick 24 (Corey Stewart, Sam Dacian Raumati, Damien Beresford, Matt Henry, Senio Tuala tries Matt Henry 2 goals) defeated Souths 22 (Damian Mills, Brandon Kerr, Kyle Jarvis, Mitchell Matheson tries Brandon Kerr 3 goals)
The Cowboy’s under 19’s went down 16-4. Both sides scored three tries apiece. The Tigers nailed two conversions the Cowboys only one in the conditions.
Valleys now sit alone at the top of the table after suffering a scare in their clash with Oakey.
The Cowboy’s will be looking for redemption when they host Newtown at Fr Ranger Oval on Sunday afternoon in front of their home crowd. They have a couple injury worries with Lachlan Gee picking up a shoulder injury and Bryon Creighton forced off the paddock with a neck complaint.
There are only two games at Fr Ranger Oval as Newtown do not have an Under 19 side this season.
