By Casey OÇonnor
The Warwick Cowboys ‘A’ Grade side suffered their second loss in as many weeks going down 26-16 to Goondiwindi in their round 10 clash in the Toowoomba Rugby League Hutchinson Builders competition in a very tough game on Saturday night at Fr Ranger Oval.
Several players from both sides were backing up after playing 80 minutes in the Saturday afternoon rep game for the Clydesdales against Brisbane Red.
Cowboy’s Jake Speed said after the game the Boars had come to Fr Ranger Oval with real intent on Saturday night.
This was a quality game. Scores were tied up at 16-all at half time and the game literally in the balance. Damien Beresford, Harry Sullivan and Nick Chapman all scored for the Cowboys in the first half. Morgan Byrne kicking two from three conversions.
Goondiwindi’s first half tries came from Ron Duncan, Geoffrey Prince and Trae Bennetto. Malcolm McGrady kicked two conversions in the first half.
Goondiwindi took a 22-16 lead early in the second half when Malcolm McGrady scored and then converted his own try early in the second half taking a 22-16 lead. With 15 minutes left on the clock Goondiwindi were reduced to 11 players when Malcolm McGrady was sin binned for 10 minutes and five eighth David McGrady was sent off. The Boars dug deep, and the Cowboys were unable to break their defensive line despite several chances.
Right on fulltime the Boars Garry Prince who played for the Clydesdales earlier in the day crossed for another Goondiwindi try to extend the lead to 26-16.
Warwick are struggling with injuries to key players but those that have stepped up played well on Saturday night and left nothing in the tank. Prop Nick Pails played his best game of the season for the Cowboys on Saturday night and picked up two Webcke Price medal points for his performance. Hooker Harry Sullivan backing up from rep duties earlier in the day was another player who looked dangerous eery time he touched the ball.
There was no joy for the Cowboys in the earlier games with both the Reserve Grade and Under 19 teams defeated by the Boars.
Things do not get any easier for the Cowboys who now sit fourth on the TRL Hutchinson Builders ‘A’ Grade ladder this weekend when they play comepitition leader’s Valleys at the John McDonald Complex on Saturday night.
Goondiwindi 20 (Ronnie Duncan, Trae Bennetto, Malcolm McGrady, Garry Prince tries; Malcolm McGrady 3 goals) defeated Warwick 16 (Nick Chapman, harry Sullivan, Damien Beresford tries; Morgan Byrne 2 goals)
Webcke Price medal points : 3 points Trae Bennetto (Goondiwindi); 2 points Nick pails (Warwick); 1 point Geoffrey Prince (Goondiwindi)
Reserve Grade : Goondiwindi 36 defeated Warwick 34
Under 19’s : Goondiwindi 28 defeated Warwick 14
