There was little joy for the Warwick Cowboys at the weekend as they returned to Fr Ranger Oval for the first time since the recent floods. The Cowboys suffered a reality check at the hands of Valleys suffering losses in all three grades.
After a run of good performances, the Cowboys who were coming off three solid wins met some strong resistance in the A Grade game against Valleys.
The visitors who have been on a roll themselves after a shaky start to the season fielded arguably their strongest side in 2022. Valleys were bolstered by the return to the side of Hnaloan Budden and Hugh Sedger while Valley’s fullback Travis Turnbull caused plenty of headaches for the Cowboys.
There was plenty of effort from the Cowboys who were playing for the Jim Stevens Memorial Trophy. The trophy is played each year between the Cowboys and Valleys in memory of Jim Stevens who played a significant role in the Rugby league community across the Darling Downs and the Cowboys club.
The Cowboys started well and held an early lead and while they completed well there was no doubting their effort in attack making the most of their opportunities when they presented, Coach Mick Grew said after the game his team were not at their best defensively.
It was certainly not the solid defensive performance that has been the cornerstone of the Cowboy’s recent performances.
Mick Bloomfield led from the front and was one of the best on the field along with Mitch Wilson who has been in great form. The Cowboys tries came from centre Tyrelle Ross, Mick Bloomfield and fullback Mitch Watson. Bloomfield kicked two from three conversion attempts. After another solid performance Mitch Wilson received two Webcke Price Medal points.
The Cowboys need to regroup before this weekend’s game against Newtown.
The 2022 TRL Hutchinson Builders A Grade comepitition is certainly heating up with little between the top seven sides.
Warwick Cowboys 16 (Tyrelle Ross, Michael Bloomfield, Mitchell Watson Tries; Michael Bloomfield 2 Goals) defeated by Valley’s Roosters 34 ( Brendan Saltner (2), Patrick O’Callaghan, Angus Taylor, Alexander Hich (2), Travis Turnbull Tries; Travis Turnbull (3) Goal)
Webcke price Medal Points Hugh Sedger (Valleys) 3 points; Mitch Wilson (Cowboys) 2 points; Travis Turnbull (Valleys) 1 point)
In Reserve Grade Valleys 35 defeated Cowboys 32 and in Under 19’s Valleys 22 defeated Warwick 10
