Redbacks ready for season after tough trial

Vincent White kicks ahead for Redbacks during Saturday's three-cornered trial game at Warwick. Picture by Chris Munro.

By Tyhe Clarkeson

In a thrilling day of pre-season footy at Warwick Credit Union Oval the Warwick’s Gardens Galore Redbacks played host to the Inverell Saints and the Toowoomba Tigers, treating fans to an action-packed showcase of Australian rules football.

Each club battled it out in two quarters against the others, delivering a riveting display of skill and determination.

The opening clash saw the Redbacks square off against the Saints, with Warwick dominating the first term with their precise passing and tenacious play around the ball.

However, the Saints rallied in the second quarter, led by former Hawk Angus Croft, whose exceptional performance saw him snapping goals from 50 meters out, proving too formidable for the Redbacks’ defense.

Inverell ultimately claimed victory with a commanding 39-12 win.

The Saints continued their momentum in a hard-fought battle against the Toowoomba Tigers, edging out their opponents in a tight contest that showcased the Tigers’ agility and the Saints’ strength in the contest. In the end, it was Inverell who emerged victorious with a narrow four-point margin.

The final showdown of the day pitted the Redbacks against the Tigers, offering a tantalizing preview of their upcoming Anzac Cup round one clash. In a fiercely contested match, the Redbacks displayed unwavering determination, securing a hard-fought 26-14 victory.

Standout performances from Chris Wynd, Luke Giacca, and Anthony Rixon proved pivotal in securing the win for Warwick, delighting their loyal supporters and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

This was the final trial before the start of the season when 20 April when the Tigers will return to Warwick to take on the Redbacks.

After struggling for numbers early Redbacks now have around 30 players in their squad. The Club also has a good junior ranks with the youngsters returning to the paddock on 18 April for the final three weeks of their current program.

Redback goals: Clark 2, Clarkson 2, Giacca 1, Cruda – 1.