By Casey O'Connor
Warwick Cowboys have kept their slim TRL A Grade finals chances alive with a 48-18 win against Brothers at home at Fr Rangers Oval on Sunday.
Coach Matt Grew said they could not afford to win lose another game in the run into the finals but would rely heavily on other results to get there.
This week the Cowboys face another tough ask when they host the Oakey Bears this Sunday in their penultimate home game.
“It is mathematical still possible for the Cowboys to make the finals and we will continue to play as though we are going to be there,” coach Grew said.
Knowing they needed to win, the Cowboys went out against Brothers with a never say never attitude. However the visitors weren’t going to go down without a fight and opening the scoring just a minute after kick-off.
It was a warning to the Cowboys that Brothers had come to play and they hit back shortly after with a try to Jake Speed.
The two sides traded tries for the first 15 minutes of the game before the Cowboys found their rhythm and asserted control.
Halfback Mitch Wilson had an outstanding game, perhaps his best of the season, scoring back-to-back tries in the 27th and 35th minute when points really counted.
The score at half-time favoured the home side 22-8 but although the Cowboys looked to be in control, Brothers were not going to go away and their winger Garrad Brewer scored in the opening minutes of the second half.
Cowboy’s centre Morgan Byrne scored soon after, with the start to the second half reminiscent of the first.
Brewer crossed for his second for the visitors but it was then that the Cowboys asserted their dominance and ran away with the game.
Bryon Creighton, one the Cowboys most consistent, played at lock on Sunday scoring back-to-back second-half tries to put the game beyond reach.
Cody Byrne, a valuable asset coming off the bench, sealed the victory with a try in the shadow of full time. Mitch Watson had the kicking duties and finished with a strike rate of six from eight.
Brothers were competitive but Warwick controlled enough of the game to come away with a significant win that does their fore and against no harm.
Mitch Watson picked up another Cowboy’s club award for the Best Back while Jarred Bradfield was named best forward in the side.
The club has made the decision to move the Warwick Cowboys Ladies Day forward from 20 August to this Sunday. Tickets must be pre-purchased online by visiting www.trybooking.com/CBPVH. For full details head to the Warwick Cowboys RLFC Facebook page.
The A Grade win wrapped up a good day for the Cowboys who scored wins in all three grades.
WARWICK A Grade:- 48 (Mitch Wilson 2, Byron Creighton 2, Jake Speed, Tyrelle Ross, Kieran Fender, Morgan Byrne, Cody Byrne tries; Mitch Watson 2 goals) defeated BROTHERS 18 (Garrad Brewer 2, Lachlan Swan, Riley Wockner tries; Sam Betros goal)
In the reserve Grade win Jordyn Hogden was named Best Back and Joey Wagner Best forward
WARWICK Reserve Grade :- 40 (Joe Fuimaono 2, Joseph Wagner 2, Cameron Mulcahy, Paul Cantwell, Daniel Watson tries; Matthew Henry 6 goals) BROTHERS 10 (Lachlan Swan, Reily Land tries; Jake Head goal).
In the Under 19 game Jeffrey Ross won the Best back Award and Ben Lyons the Best Forward.
WARWICK under 19’s:- 46 (Jeffery Ross 2, Brock Patti 2, Lucas Bradfield, Zac Beckwith, Angus Ridley, Jack McMeniman, Benjamin Lyons, Jayden Tucker tries; Tucker 4 goals) defeated BROTHERS 22 (Kerion Parravacini 2, Alzavian Chicken, Riley Wockner, tries; Reily Land 3 goals)
Gatton 27, Wattles 27, Highfields 25, Goondiwindi 25, Dalby 21, Valleys 20, Warwick 17, Oakey 10, Brothers 7, Souths 7, Pittsworth 5, Newtown 1
