It was an interesting Round 2 in the Toowoomba Rugby League premiership on the weekend with four out of five games resulting in wins for the visiting sides. The biggest surprise was the score line that Brothers (50) put on Goondiwindi at Goondiwindi. Premiers Wattles opened their campaign with a lacklustre win away to Oakey. Gatton Hawks opened their account with a nailbiting 12-11 win over the Highfields Eagles at Kuhls Road.
Goondiwindi 18 - Brothers 50
Brothers further enhanced their reputation as the big improvers in the TRL with a convincing win against Goondiwindi. They out-enthused the Boars in the first half to lead at half-time by six points.
They continued that enthusiasm in the second half and run away with the match 50-18. Goondiwindi coach Matt Galvin said ball control really let them down. He said Brothers really caught them off guard and pointed out that Ronnie David and Taiton Marchant were his best players.
Brothers coach Liam Cullen understandably was very happy with the win and said Marcus Cochrane and Michael Cochrane were very good whilst Mitch Revell, Callam Twaddle, Ricky Davies and Mitch Tuite stood out. He said their enthusiasm in the first half and ball control in the second half won them the game.
Brothers 50 (Will Stenner 4, Michael Cochrane & Marcus Cochrane 2 each, Kyle Walker Tries, Mitchell Tuite 6, Michael Cochrane 1 Goals) def Goondiwindi 18 (Tim Tribe, Tom Fitzgerald, Cal Skinner, Robert Macintosh tries, Tom Fitzgerald goal)
Reserve Grade: Goondiwindi 50 def Brothers 30
Under 18: Brothers 32 def Goondiwindi 28
Dalby 18 def Warwick 16
The Diehards and Cowboys played a tough, seesawing match. Both teams went into the game without their regular halves (the Taylor brothers for Dalby and Paul Cantwell and Jaime Abba for the Cowboys).
Winning coach Kerry Carmichael said they were made to earn every point. Dalby centre Zac Morris was thrown into the halves for the match and played well as did Brent Hunt and Dan Manely.
Warwick coach Craig Mullaly, whilst disappointed, was proud of his team’s effort as he only had 13 fresh players.
At times, Warwick had long periods defending their line which zapped their energy and Dalby capitalised.
Mullaly was happy with his side’s defence and thought Dylan Galloway and Sam Brimble were his best. Warwick were up 16-12 late in the second half before Dalby scored a converted try to hang on for a 18-16 win.
Dalby 18 (Sam Thomasson, Braydon Alexander, Chris Wilkes tries Zac Morris 3 goals) def Warwick 16 (Dan Watson, Brodie Quirk, Ryan McIvor tries Morgan Taylor 2 goals)
Reserve Grade: Warwick 20 def Dalby 10
Under 18: Warwick 28 def Dalby 4
Highfields 11 - Gatton 12
Ball control was the key to this clash. Gatton were strong early, but the game soon settled down into a slugfest. The score were 6-6 then 10-10 until four minutes from time when Jarrod Lee potted a field goal for Highfields to edge in front 11-10.
Dropped ball and a late penalty enabled the Hawks halfback Callum Woolacott to calmly kick a goal with 90 seconds remaining and secured the two premiership points for the Hawks.
Alex Ambia continued his early form by grabbing a try for the Hawks. Dom Haak also grabbed a four pointer. Harch plus Daniel Marsh and Corey Mullins were Gatton’s best while Jake Collely, Sean Hamel, Jayden Morley and Matt Prowse also had strong games for the Eagles.
Gatton Hawks 12 (Alex Ambia, Dom Haak tries Callum Woolacott 2 goals) def Highfields 11 (Nick Bainbridge, Matt Prowse tries Jarrod Lee goal and field goal).
Reserve Grade: Gatton 32 def Highfields 4
Valleys 6 - Pittsworth 22
Pittsworth travelled to Pillar Street to contest the Allan Price Memorial Shield for the first time. Price, aged 53 and a former Valleys player, lost his battle late last year to a melanoma. The occasion was used to raise awareness on the issue. Price was a paramedic at Pittsworth, hence the relationship between the two sides.
Pittsworth coach Ian Brackstone must be pleased with his side’s effort, especially in defence. He would agree they were flat the previous week against the Diehards and they were a lot more committed. Mitchell Carpenter scored a double whilst Daniel York continued his early season form for the Danes.
Valleys Coach Wayne Barnett has some problems with his side completing only 23% of their sets. Barnett kept his analysis pretty simple and said they just needed to hang onto the ball. He said Oli Scott played well on his return to A Grade whilst newcomer Dexter Buchanan impressed.
Pittsworth 22 (Mitchell Carpenter 2, Daniel York, Henry Rathborne, Thomas O’Sullivan tries; James Demsey goal) def Valleys 6 (Sam Marshall tries, Josh Hancock goal)
Oakey 20 - Wattles 30
In the Hutchies game of the round, reigning premiers Wattles opened their TRL premiership account with a less than impressive 30-20 win against Oakey on Saturday night.
It was the premiers first hit out of the season and it was a completely different side that took the field in 2016. Therefore, combinations are still to gel for the Warriors.
New half back Jason Wilmott put his stamp on the competition with an outstanding display. He kicked 5/5 conversions as well a 40/20 and generally led his side well around the park.
Wattles led 18-4 at half time, but outlasted a brave second half onslaught from the Bears.
Each side scored five tries, but Wilmot’s kicking game was the difference. Oakey captain coach Jason Boney was happy with his troops and has something to work with for the rest of the season. His said their second half effort was excellent and he pointed out hooker Nathan Thomas and Tristan Hooper as his best.
Wattles Coach Garry Lawrence was happy with his side’s first hit out of the year given the new faces in the side. He was all praise for Wilmot and said he will be a valuable part of his side.
Wattles 30 (Joseph Morris 2, Max Somes, Tyrone Jowett, Jarred Bradfield tries Jason Wilmot 5 goals) def Oakey 20 (Steven Rodgers, Allwin Long, Tristan Hooper, Andrew Collier, Steven Bonner tries)
Reserve Grade: Oakey 24 def Wattles 22
