By Casey O'Connor
The Cowboys have captured their first silverware of 2023 taking out the Barrett Shield Rugby League trial game against neighbours Wattles at Warwick on Saturday night.
Thunderstorm activity had threatened to derail the Shield game with the Reserve grade match cancelled shortly after half time amid concerns for player safety.
However, as the storms moved through, the main game got underway and conditions although safe were not ideal on the paddock.
The Barrett Family has been heavily involved in Rugby League for generations, particularly with the Cowboys and Wattles clubs. The first Barrett Shield game was played 1993 and players and supporters from both clubs eagerly anticipate the annual preseason game. This year was no exception.
It has been several years since the Cowboys won the Shield and their hard work in the off season paid dividends as they scored a 16-4 win.
Col Speed has taken the reins as coach in 2023 and said in his post-game interview, “It was a gutsy effort. “Our simple kick chase game in the second half paid dividends.”
The coach said the game was won on the team’s defence. “Our left edge was outstanding but really everyone did their job.”
In a tough first half there were no points on the board until the 24th minute when Wattles scored.
Ball control from both sides was poor but given the conditions that was unsurprising. The level of intensity in defence showed that although a preseason game this one meant a lot to both teams.
Warwick grinded away and their 2023 captain Mitch Wilson scored under the posts to give his side a 6-4 halftime lead.
In the second half the Cowboys handled the conditions better. Mitch Wilson guided his team around the park well. The Sullivan brothers both played well as did Darryl Erepia, who won of the Terry Doyle Memorial Medal for the Player of the Match.
Wattles had a number of new combinations and are sure to be better for the hit out when the season proper gets under way this weekend.
Warwick 16 (Mitch Wilson, Joe Fuimaono, Harry Sullivan – Tries; Nick Chapman two goals) def Wattles 4 (Austin Jennings try).
In the Under 19 game on Saturday the Cowboys and Wattles drew 16all after an intense game.
When the Reserve grade game was called off Wattles were holding a healthy 18-6 lead.
The TRL season gets underway this weekend.
Warwick host Highfields Eagles on Sunday with kick off in the A Grade game at Fr Ranger Oval 2.30pm. All three grades will be in action.
Wattles Warriors begin their season with an away game against the Dalby Diehards on Saturday night. Kick off is 6.30pm at Dalby Rugby League Oval.
