Toowoomba Rugby League has plenty of great rivalries but, as they’ve shown through the recent downpour in Queensland, they also have plenty of strong bonds.
As with most community competitions across the state, the rain and poor weather over the past month has caused cancellations, abandonments and postponements for select matches or whole rounds.
The TRL A Grade competition was not immune to this, having to postpone the entirety of its Round 5.
However, last week clubs stood up to help each other get through another week, with Brothers Toowoomba leading the way.
The club sacrificed their grounds at Glenholme Park for not one but two days across Round 6, letting Southern Suburbs and Highfields use the fields even though Brothers themselves were away to Newtown.
President Lizzie Adams said many people questioned her on the decision, concerned how it would affect Brothers’ fields for their home game against Warwick this weekend, but she said it wasn’t fair for teams who would have to abandon matches and take one point each.
Across the two days, six matches were played at Glenholme Park.
“We ran the risk of them cutting the fields up and us not being able to play on it but I was confident it would hold up and it did,” Adams said.
“It was two (A grade) games played that didn’t have to be rescheduled. I’m very community-minded. If we can help other clubs, we will. It’s a no-brainer.
“Everyone was thankful for it. It’s about ensuring our game is played in the right spirit.
“Being supportive of each other, it shows our players at the top that we do work in partnership. It ensures people don’t miss out on playing.
“One of the games had two of the top teams, with Gatton and Highfields. I don’t think either one of them wanted one point (for a cancellation). You assist where you can meet their needs and Brothers had the facilities to meet them.”
The Tigers have promised to give Brothers a donation after running the entire Saturday themselves, while Brothers were able to play complete host to Highfields on the Sunday, running the canteen and bar as per usual and giving the Eagles the money from the gate.
With a turn in weather this week, it is expected Round 7 will go ahead in full, with Glenholme Park in a good condition for when Brothers take on the Cowboys.
A close match is predicted on Sunday, with Warwick the favourites in strong form, while Brothers are starting to build momentum and have shown plenty of competitiveness this season.
Elsewhere, the Dalby Diehards will also look to build upon some momentum after taking a 16-12 victory over Pittsworth last week, in a match that will not be forgotten by either team anytime soon.
The clubs played in thick mud, with players leaving the field covered head to toe in muck.
Dalby hooker Danny Wassell said it was the worst conditions he had ever played in, but absolutely worth it to every player on the field who were dedicated to getting the round done.
“It’s hard to explain what it was like,” Wassell said.
“We were playing in 200ml of mud in the middle of the field. It was the worst conditions I’ve ever played in my life. It was pretty hard trying to pass it from dummy half … it was wild.
“I’ve had a few muddy games, wet and stormy games, but nothing like the mud that was there.
“Everyone was keen to play. We were keen, they were keen to play and they had a pretty good crowd there too. I couldn’t see any reason to cancel it.”
Wassell will this Saturday come up against Ash Jarrett, in what is set to be a thrilling match against the Boars.
The Diehards are sitting third on the ladder with the Boars in fourth, with both sides building strongly into the middle of the season.
So close is the TRL competition this year that five teams are level on points at the top of the ladder – Gatton, Wattles, Dalby, Goondiwindi and Highfields - with Warwick just two points behind.
Toowoomba Valleys, Southern Suburbs and Oakey are closing in as well.
Main image: Danny Wassell after Dalby's win over Pittsworth. Photo: Toowoomba Rugby League
Round 7 Toowoomba A Grade
Saturday May 28
6.30pm: Wattles Warriors v Southern Suburbs Tigers at Platz Oval
6.30pm: Dalby Diehards v Goondiwindi Boars at Dalby Rugby League Football Ground
Sunday May 29
2.30pm: Oakey Bears v Highfields Eagles at Kuhls Road Oval
2.30pm: Gatton Hawks v Pittsworth Danes at Cahill Park Sporting Complex
2.30pm: Toowoomba Valleys Roosters v Newtown Lions at John McDonald Sports Complex
