By Casey OÇonnor
Defending premiers Wattles Warriors did not get their 2023 Toowoomba Rugby League season off to the start they were hoping for on Saturday night going down to Dalby Diehards 35-28 in Dalby.
However there was lots to like about their performance.
The loss of several key senior players from their 2022 side has opened the door for some younger players to step up.
One of the younger brigade centre Lachlan Hendry was ruled out of the game in the opening minutes causing a reshuffle of the line up and did not help their cause.
With Wattles down by 18 points midway through the second half, Dalby looked like they could have run away with the game.
A 40/20 kick from one the young crop of players, five eighth Tom Morris turned the game for Wattles, and they almost snatched the win.
Captain Ty Gardener said post-game he was pleased with the team’s performance which was a big improvement on last week’s first hit out against the Cowboy’s.
“We can take a lot of confidence out of this game,” Gardener said.
“Five or six big errors probably cost us the game.
“Our defence and shape were very pleasing, and Tommy Morris has really stepped up to A Grade.
“That was probably the best game I have seen him play.”
Wattles completion rate in the first half was around 80 per cent and well up there in the second half pleasing coach Travis Burns. Fullback Matt Christensen one of the senior players in the side said the team allowed too many points off stupid mistakes. He said if the team can clean up those errors, they will be stronger in two weeks when they play Souths at Platz Oval.
The 35-28 win handed Dalby the Rod Frahm Memorial Cup. The Cup is contested annually in memory of former Clifton based business identity and Wattles Life Member Rod Frahm and has been played was first played for in 2007. The teams have been playing for the Trophy since 2007. After their win on Saturday night Dalby hold the Trophy bragging rights with nine wins to Wattles seven.
It was not Wattles night. The Under 19’s trailed 14-6 at half-time before a dominant second half performance by Dalby. The final score 40-6.
The Reserve Grade team gave Wattles fans something to cheer about leading throughout the game to go on and win 20-10 winners.
All TRL teams have a week off for the Easter break next week with the competition continuing the following weekend.
DALBY V WATTLES
Dalby 35 (Chris Woodbridge2, Tevita Folau, Ratu Dekedeke, Dylan Taylor, Ryan Welsh tries. Chris Woodbridge 4 goals 1 field goal) defeated Wattles 28 (Jake Meddelton, Mitch Duff, Noah Dwyer, Tyson Stevens, Tyson Gardner tries Bray Paix 4 goals)
Webcke Price Medal Points
3 Chris Woodbridge (Dalby); 2 Tom Morris (Wattles); 1 John Palavi (Dalby)
Reserve Grade: Wattles 20 def Dalby 10
Under 19’s Dalby: 40 def Wattles 6
