By Casey OÇonnor
Wattles Warriors A Grade Coach Travis Burns flagged his sides clash with the Pittsworth Danes in round four of the TRL Hutchinson Builders A grade competition as a must win game for the team after a slow start to the 2023 season.
Since the start of the season Wattles have battled injury, player retirements, player availability issues and of course new combinations.
the team responded in style scoring second win of the season despite some selection upheavals before the game.
The 44-12 scoreline does not really indicate how tough the win was. Captain Ty Gardner led by example as they completed a Warriors hat trick. All three grades recording resounding wins.
The Pittsworth Danes were coming off the back of a solid win over Oakey and began well taking a 12-10 lead at early in the first half. Wattles fought back to lead 24-12 at half time.
With plenty of support from the home crowd and on the back of some slick play Wattles picked up the pace in the second half. Their defence held the Danes scoreless in the second half as they piled on another 20 points.
Austin Jennings scored a hat-trick and backrower Tyson Stevens had an eye catching performance. Brayden Paix was on song with the boot kicking six conversions.
Stevens and his captain Ty Gardner both earned Webcke Price Medal points for their performance.
Coach Burns blooded young back rower Harry Schwenke who made his A Grade debut in the 29th minute replacing hooker Zac Stevens.
Earlier Schwenke had played a pivotal role in the Under 19’s 24-16 win. He has been impressive in the Under 19 ranks since the start of the season and repaid the faith his coach showed in him with a solid performance. Schwenke took on his fair share of the work load and impressed with line breaks.
Wattles face another tough test this weekend when they take on Gatton at Cahill Park on Sunday. The Hawks have won three from four this season and are coming off a gritty win over Oakey last weekend.
Wattles 44 (Austin Jennings (3), Jake Meddleton (2), Mitch Bourke, Mitch Duff, Jordan Crocker tries Brayden Paix (6) goals) defeated Pittsworth 12 (Brenton Clement, Tom O’Sullivan tries Tom O’Sullivan 2 goals)
Webcke Price Points: 3 Ty Gardner (Wattles) 2 Tyson Stevens (Wattles) 1 Nick Nairn (Pittsworth)
Reserve Grade
Wattles 32 (Warren Draper (2), Dale McAntee, Alex Morris, Braydon Wilson, Travis Pitman tries; Joe Willett (4) goals) defeated Pittsworth 12 (Jake Johnston, John Lele, Ausage Meauli tries).
Under 19
Wattles 24 (Will Sheppard, Lachlan Clements, Daniel Morris, Harry Schwenke, Sam Gilmore tries; Koby De Luca 2 goals) defeated Pittsworth 16 (Ethan Facer 2, Clay Dempsey tries; Kade Warren, Lachlan Thompson goals).
