Casey O'Connor
The Highfields Eagles swooped to dash Grand final hopes of the Cowboys in the knock out semi final last week at Glenholme Park in week one of the TRL finals.
It was Highfields who handled the blustery conditions better and after watching their Under 18 side march to the next round of the finals the A Grade team posted a convincing win 28-14 over the Cowboys.
In Sunday’s game the Eagles took full advantage of their opportunities.
The Eagles crossed for first points when Dale Madden scored however the Cowboys were quick to hit back. After tries to Joe Fuimaono who has been a model of consistency all season and Josh Cruice they led 10-6 after 15 minutes. .
The game developed in to a real arm wrestle and the introduction of Nick Bainbridge from the bench broke the deadlock when he scored for the Eagles.
Highfields had the advantage of the big tail wind in the first half but did not seem to take full advantage of it until late in the first half when Madden crossed for his second try giving his side an 18-10 advantage at half time.
It was expected the Cowboys would make better use of the wind advantage in the second half however the loss of centre Joe Fuimaono with a knee injury at half-time was a big blow.
The Eagles were the first to score after the break and the lead blew out to 22-10.
David McGrady gave the Cowboys faithful a sense that a comeback was possible when he scored a classy individual try to narrow tee margin to 22-14.
The try boosted the Cowboys intensity and they had the opportunity to narrow the margin to a converted try with a penalty however the attempt was unsuccessful.
It was a tough second half and the Cowboys were in stages undisciplined with two players binned during the game no help to their cause.
The Highfields defence was strong especially in the second half where they were able to turn the Cowboys away repeatedly. Jarred lee scored an intercept try shortly before full time to close the door on the Cowboy’s season.
It was a tough and gutsy win by the Eagles and they posted a warning to some of the ore fancied sides in the finals that they are not just making up the numbers.
Highfields halves, Jarred Lee and Sean Loxley played well with Lozley picking up valuable points in the Player of the finals as did Lee.
Mistakes at vital times proved costly for the Cowboys however prop Garry Ellery proved to be handful for the opposition and he as the best for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys coach Phil Economidis said after the game he was disappointed that the Cowboys did not handle the conditions or the occasion better.
For the Cowboys it is on to 209 and already their recruitment has begun. For Highfields they march on to Round two where they will play defending premiers Dalby who beat them in the final round of the fixtures.
Highfields 28 (Dale Madden 2, Nick Bainbridge, Sean Loxley, Jarrod Lee tries Jarred Lee 4 goals)
Warwick 14(David McGrady, Joe Fuimaono, Cruise Martin-Brown tries Mick Bloomfield goal)
Player of the finals points: 4 Sean Loxley, 3 Jarred Lee, 2 Garry Ellery, 1 Nick Bainbridge
