By Glynn Rees
Wattles halfback Matt Duggan played a key role in guiding the ‘Stillwater Pastoral Company’ Wattles Warriors to a significant 38–14 Toowoomba Rugby League First Grade Round 15 victory over a determined Southern Suburbs Tigers outfit on Saturday’s first grade at Toowoomba’s Gold Park.
The Warriors bounced back after a previous week loss to Hutchinson Builders premiership high flyers Valleys Roosters to hold fourth rung on the ladder less than four weeks from the final’s.
Playmaker Duggan was in exceptional form guiding Wattles around the park and collared two tries to add to the winners points total along with player of the match honours.
It was the Tigers who were first to set the scoreboard in motion when fullback Tait Cameron thrilled the home crowd when he found room to the try line touching down for a six-nil lead.
Wattles replied to level the ledger at six-all when in form winger Mitch Bourke added his twelfth season try when he fielded a perfectly targeted bomb by five-eight Braydon Paix.
Souths were a force to be reckoned with early in the match as they battled for a win that would maintain their slim chance of a finals berth.
Bench forward’s Jacob Mouatt and Jack Duggan added spark for the Warriors when they took the field, with Mouatt scoring with his first touch before two late first half tries by Matt Duggan and winger Joe Willett eased the Warriors to a 22-6 half time lead.
Souths started the better in the second stanza laying on the first two touchdowns through second-row pair Riley Wilson and Cooper Howlett to trail 14-22 after 62 minutes.
But it was ageless former Queensland Rangers half Matt Duggan, in his eleventh year in Wattles top grade, who inspired the Warriors to another gear scoring a try himself before Joe Willet completed a try double.
As the final hooter was warming up to sound, centre Matt Christensen crossed to seal the match, running an inside line off Braydon Paix to ease through untouched.
Hooker Tom Hatch continued the polished form that saw him earn a jersey in the winning Toowoomba Clydesdales squad for the recent QRL Central Division 47th Battalion Trophy Carnival.
Threequarters Andy Richardson, Lachlan Watt and Mitch Bourke were also among those to shine in Wattles line-up along with elusive finisher Joe Willett.
Back rowers Riley Wilson and Mitch Murphy impressed for the home side as did experienced prop Luke Maiden.
Wattles 38 (Matt Duggan 2, Joe Willett 2, Mitch Bourke, Jacob Mouatt, Matt Christensen tries Brayden Paix 5 goals) defeated Souths 14 (Tait Cameron, Riley Wilson, Cooper Howlett tries Tait Cameron goal)
Reserve Grade
While the ‘Farm Spray’ Wattles reserve graders may have skidded in for a last-minute decision in a nail-biter in every sense to claim a 28 – 24 win over Southern Suburbs, Coach Tony Morris said he always had faith that his charges were up to the task.
Flying winger Isaac Leach re-emerged in Wattles colours after injury achieving his career rugby league highlight running in a match-winning four tries.
Leach was showered with Wattles player of the match honours while back line team mates Lachlan Henry and gallant last line Dale McAntee impressed throughout.
Coach Morris praised his team highly, “great effort from the team on Saturday, it was certainly tough to run in the win.”
Five-eight Ryan Stevens was outstanding along with second-rower Garth Lonergan, half back Michael Duggan and front-rowers Dan Rub and Tim Duggan were also top shelf performers.
Wattles 28 (Isaac Leach 4, Marley Tunstead tries; Dale McAntee 4 goals) defeated Souths 24 (Heath Tisdell 2, Brandon Biles, Zach Alberts tries; Wally Pegler 4 goals).
Under 19
Despite the best efforts of playmaker Hamish Gartery the ‘Black Toyota, Warwick’ Warriors failed to make an impression on the Tigers colts who built on a 14 – 4 half-time advantage to eventually win 36 – 12.
Team skipper Reuben Sullvan posted another workhorse performance off the back of the Warriors pack, while relentless front-row force Lane Eastwell led the charge midfield for ground gains.
Wattles colts last tasted victory back in Round 11 against Highfields and have finished winless in their last three outings, making a positive result against Warick on Saturday vital.
Southern Suburbs 36 defeated Wattles 12 (Graham Hopper, Lachlan Clements tries; Koby De Luca 2 goals).
2014 Reunion
Wattles Rugby League Club celebrate ‘Old Boys Day’ on Saturday, the highlight being a reunion of the 2014 A Grade premiership winning team.
