By Candyce Grew
Three Warwick Cowboys players celebrated special milestones at the weekend with Reserve Grade coach Aaron McVeigh racking up his 200th game for the club and A Grade players Harry Sullivan and Joe Fuimaono hitting their first century.
Warwick Cowboys A Grade coach Matt Grew said rugby league was one of the greatest team sports, however within the team sport was room for individual achievements.
“Not a lot of people play for a club for that long these days, it’s so easy to move on from clubs,” Grew said.
“For players to achieve these milestones is a big individual effort.
“The Cowboys is a club that has a lot of players that have achieved high game counts and it’s a testament to the culture of the club and people wanting to stay here and play for the Cowboys.
“Clubs are built on culture and the current culture at the Cowboys is second to none.”
The Cowboys A Grade side defeated Souths Tigers on Sunday 26-22 at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba despite having some key players out due to the Covid-19 lockdown in 11 SEQ council regions.
“We led 20 nil at half time,” Grew said.
“Co-captain Sam Broomhall was good and led the side well.
“Unfortunately, Josh Cruice got knocked out with 10 minutes to go but has thankfully recovered okay.“
Reserve Grade assistant coach Nick Baker said coming from an unexpected week off, the team would have to quickly get back into the groove against Souths.
“Back-to-back penalties and a quality kick led to Souths scoring the opening try,” Baker said.
“We knew we had to lift and this we did with Jeb Jerome crossing a few sets later for his first of two tries, also earning him Best Back honours against his former team.
“The next 15 minutes saw both sides fighting for ascendancy in the middle third of the field and a lapse in defence on our goal line led to Souths crossing for a try, meaning we went into half time with scores locked at 12 apiece.“
Coach Aaron McVeigh said the majority of the second half was a carbon copy of the 15-minute period from the first half where both packs rolled up their sleeves in an attempt to gain the upper hand.
“An inspiring performance off the bench especially during this period is what led to David Hughes getting the Player’s Player mug,” McVeigh said.
“A brilliant solo effort, as well as some superb support play off a line break from Jordyn Hogden led to Brodie Quirk grabbing a second half double and it was up to our defence to get us home once again and that it did, keeping Souths to one try in the second half.”
The Warwick Cowboys ran away with the win 24-18.
The Warwick Cowboys Under 18s and Women’s sides had a bye.
This Saturday night the Warwick Cowboys will face the Goondwindi Boars at Father Ranger Oval.
Matt Grew said it would be interesting to see what would happen with Covid-19 restrictions and their impact on player availability across the Toowoomba Rugby League competition.
“Gundy are the top of the table, they are the benchmark team for the competition,” Grew said.
“With two games left before finals, we will need to play consistent footy to get ourselves ready to play finals football in a couple of weeks’ time.
“There is no better to way to get a gauge on how you are travelling leading into finals than by playing the team on the top of the table.”
Gates to Father Ranger Oval will open at 1pm on Saturday with the Women’s game at 2.15pm, Under 18s from 3.30pm, Reserve Grade at 5pm and A Grade starting at 6.30pm.
(SUBHEAD)
OLD BOYS’ DAY
The Warwick Cowboys Old Boys’ Association will host its annual Old Boys’ Day next Saturday, 21 August.
Old Boys’ president Shaun O’Leary said the association within the Cowboys was designed to keep former players involved in the club.
“Their playing days may be over but as former players or officials are a valuable part of the club’s history and at least once a year that is something that should be celebrated,” O’Leary said.
“Old Boys’ Day enables us to get together and tell some stories, have a laugh and watch the next generation play.
“It also raises valuable funds which ultimately goes back to the club.”
The Old Boys’ will have a marquee set up on Pincha’s Hill and will provide a barbeque dinner and drink tickets for members.
Anyone who is not an Old Boys’ member is welcome to attend the event, they will just be required to pay $8 entry at the gate and $25 to get into the marquee.
The Old Boys’ have also organised special jerseys for A Grade players to wear on the night which will be auctioned after the game.
Luke Costello will also perform live music.
It will be a big night for the club with the winner of the $25,000 raffle set to be announced.
On the night, the Warwick Cowboys A Grade side will battle the Wattles Warriors for the Basil Nolan Jr Memorial Shield.
