The Warwick Cowboys opened the 2022 season with an impressive win in their away game against Pittsworth.
To some extent the Cowboys have flown under the radar in the preseason, but last weekend scored a convincing 30-10 win over the Danes.
Veteran Mick Bloomfield has laced on the boots again this season and a move to five eighth might just have reinvigorated the Cowboy’s captain as he opened the scoring the with Warwick’s first try of the season.
There was little between the sides in the first half and Warwick went to the sheds at half time with an 8-4 lead in what was a scrappy first half.
Both sides had several missed opportunities and there was plenty of dropped ball.
Warwick came out in the second half and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck scoring three quick tries.
Although ball handling was still an issue, their scrambling defence throughout the game was good and they capitalised on Pittsworth’s errors.
Keiran Fender had a great start to his season with a man of the match performance and picked up the Player of the Round Award.
Fender played big minutes, laying a good platform for the young Cowboy’s back line. Mitch Watson, Josh Cruice and Bloomfield also led from the front as Cowboy’s supporters have come to expect. Lock Byron Creighton and centre Morgan Byrne had had eye catching performances while Cody Byrne made an impact off the bench.
This was game one of a long season and while players at times looked rusty there was plenty to like in the win.
No doubt Coach Matt Grew will have identified areas of improvement but would have been pleased with the result.
It was a good start to the season by the Cowboys who still have some experienced heads to return to their line-up.
Sam Broomhill is one. Broomhill, who gets who married this weekend missed the opener and will be unavailable for the next few games. He will be a welcome return to the side.
The Cowboys first round performance showed they plan to be in the mix again come the business end of the season.
Warwick 30 (Tries: Mick Bloomfield (2), Morgan Byrne (2), Cody Byrne, Keiran Fender, tries Mick Bloomfield (3) goals) defeated Pittsworth 10 (Luke Hill, Mitch Albury tries Jordan O’Shea goal)
Webcke Price Medal Points: 3 Keiran Fender (Warwick), 2 Nick Finnie (Pittsworth), 1 Cody Byrne (Warwick)
Warwick made it a clean sweep in all grades with comfortable wins in the Reserve Grade (34-8) and Under 19’s (30-12).
This week the action is set to return to Fr Ranger Oval on Sunday for the first home game of the season against Goondiwindi.
