By Casey O'Connor
Wattles Warriors fined tuned their preparation for the round 17 clash against competition leaders Valleys when they notched up a comfortable win over the Pittsworth Danes at Pittsworth last Saturday night. Wattles were without s some of their best players with Nick Van der Poel, Mitch Koina and Co-captain Dale Perkins unavailable; however, they were in control from the whistle.
Dylan Wilson was impressive making 60 metres for the game’s first touch. His rampaging run set the stage for a dominant performance where Wattles scored 11 tries and kicked seven conversions against a courageous but clearly outclassed Pittsworth side.
Pittsworth staved off the Wattles attack until the 15th minute when Ryan Duggan scored. It opened the floodgates as Wattles went on a try scoring rampage and by half time the score was 32-0.
Winger Braydon Wilson helped himself to another double taking his try scoring tally for the season to 25. Wilson has a mortgage on the TRL’s 2019 leading try scorer. He currently sits 10 tries ahead of the field with two games to play.
Ryan Duggan also scored a double as did Matthew Christensen and Andrew Richardson. Matt Duggan took the reins in the second half when Coach Travis Burns gave himself an early mark. Duggan did an excellent job guiding his players around the field showcasing the depth of experience in the Wattles side.
Nathan Gaulton, the Player of the Match had an outstanding game setting up a number of tries and was calm under pressure. Back row partner Ty Gardner and Andrew Richardson also had good games.
Another Duggan, Jack made his A Grade debut in this game and looked comfortable in senior company. Unlike those calling the game or keeping the stats that have yet another Duggan to contend with.
Wattles attack was relentless and they did not take their foot off the pedal for a moment however it was their commitment in defence that was impressive and obvious in the game. It was not until late in the second half that the home side eventually cracked Wattles defence and Todd White scored and Josh Gordon converted.
Wattles were not done with and added another two tries and a conversion before the full-time siren. Full time score 58-6.
Matt Duggan’s three successful conversions in the game took him to a total of 61 in season 2019 and he sits seven seven clear of his nearest opponent Dwayne Duncan of Valleys in the race for the 2019 leading goal kicker.
The Warriors win sets up a mouth-watering clash with Valleys in this weekend’s penultimate game of the 2019 fixtures.
Valleys held on to their lead in the race to the Minor Premiership with a hard fought 58 24 win over a gallant and determined Oakey side.
Both Wattles and Valleys are in peak form and although one on the ladder, they (Wattles) have a handy for and against advantage over their arch-rivals.
This weekend’s game at Platz Oval is expected to be worthy of a grand final.
PITTSWORTH 6 (Todd White try; Josh Gordon goal) lost to WATTLES 58 (Ryan Duggan 2, Braydon Wilson 2, Andrew Richardson 2, Matthew Christensen 2, Michael Marshall, Michael Pearson, Mitch Duff tries; Travis Burns 4, Duggan 3 goals).
