By Casey OÇonnor
Cowboys have gained bragging rights and the Basil Nolan Memorial Shield showing real grit and determination to beat neighbours and defending premiers Wattle Warriors in their Toowoomba Rugby League first grade derby at Fr Ranger Oval Warwick.
In a tough game the home side came away 22-12 winners on Saturday night taking the much-coveted Basil Nolan Memorial Shield, which honours the memory of one of the Cowboys favourite sons Basil Nolan Jnr, a former Cowboy’s player and staunch supporter of the club who was killed in a tragic farming accident.
Despite the Cowboy’s impressive pe-season performances and their strong start to the fixture season many pundits were tipping the 2022 premiers Wattles to prove too strong for the Warwick team.
It was obvious from the kick off that both teams had come to play and that this was an important game.
Wattles were looking to solidify their win big win over the Tigers in round two and work on the combinations of their new look side. The Cowboys hoping to further improve on their great start to the season.
Cowboy’s captain Mitch Wilson stamped his influence on the game with his ‘no mistake” football. Fullback Nick Chapman one of the Cowboy’s new recruits had another impressive performance. Lachlan Gee was impressive on the wing. It was perhaps his best game yet for the Cowboys and he was rewarded with a try. Another new recruit making his mark on the field is second rower Tate Brombal. The return to the Cowboys this season of half back Ben Sullivan has also added spark to the starting side.
Wattles, Matt Christensen continued his good form for the Warriors and Zach Stevens also continues to impress as the Warriors settle into their new look side. Captain Ty Gardner had another big game.
Wattles had more success in earlier games defeating the Cowboys under 19 young guns 22-14. Wattles also won the Reserve Grade game by a healthy 26-6 margin.
It is no surprise that the Cowboys captain Mitch Wilson was named their A Grade Player of the Match . Wilson also picked up three Webcke Price Medal points. Bryon Creighton was named Best Forward and winger Lachlan Ghee the Best back in the A Grade side.
In Reserve Grade the Cowboys Player of the March was Eamon Brownlie. The best forward Paulo Lafaele and the Best Back Rielly Byrne.
Jeffrey Ross was named the Cowboy’s player of the Match In the Under 19’s. Isaac Wickham the best forward and Hamish Speed the best back.
A Grade Cowboys 22 (Nick Chapman, Jake Speed, Ben Sullivan, Harry Sullivan, Darryl Erepia tries; Nick Chapman 1 goal) def Wattles 12 (Zack Stevens, Ty Gardner tries; Brayden Paix 2 goals)
Webcke Price Medal 3 points Mitch Wilson (Cowboys); 2 Matt Christensen (Wattles) 1 Nick Chapman (Cowboys)
