The Chronicle

Five things learnt from TRL round 3

- SEAN TEUMA sean.teuma@thechronic­le.com.au

While Easter meant chocolate eggs and more public holidays than one could imagine, the TRL took a one-weak break as a result.

At the weekend, football returned to Toowoomba, and with the third round of the TRL premiershi­p came big scores, standout efforts and big ladder moves.

Here are the five talking points from the weekend’s football: TOUGH FOOTY REIGNS

The first 40 minutes of the Warwick and Goondiwind­i clash was fast, furious and hard-hitting, and the second 40 was just as explosive.

Both sides played the game with determinat­ion and put their bodies on the line in order to try and get the win.

The respective forward packs in particular would’ve felt it the next day after putting on an absolute show for the crowd at Father Ranger Oval. GATTON SHOWING UP

No team wants the first round bye. They want to be out on the paddock doing what they love and do best.

This year the Hawks were tasked with that duty, before they came out and pushed title contenders Wattles right at the death.

On the weekend they blew Pittsworth off the paddock 4416, as new coach Shaun Hobson and his troops enjoy an incredibly positive start to their year. WATTLES FINDING THEIR

GROOVE

The big issue for Wattles in 2017 was their start to the season, as they dropped early games and played catch up for the remainder.

That hasn’t been an issue so far this season, as they continued their unbeaten run with a comfortabl­e 40-12 win over Brothers, highlighte­d by a Braydon Wilson hat-trick in a dominant second half display.

Player-coach Travis Burns has to be pleased with his side so far, as they head into a huge match against Valleys on Saturday.

SOUTHS ON THE IMPROVE

Despite finding themselves on the wrong end of a 46-10 scoreline against the defending premiers, there were good signs for Leo Dynevor.

They started very slow, ending up down 18-0 after nine minutes, but for the next 45, they stuck it to the Diehards.

They won the period 10-6, and although they failed to finish it off, there is plenty they can take into next week. BEST HALVES IN THE COMPETITIO­N?

We’ve been blessed in 2018 with some outstandin­g halves combinatio­ns across the 11 clubs, and one is laying claim to bragging rights as the top dogs.

Nick Bainbridge and Sean Loxley, the Highfields generals, have put the challenge out to the rest of the competitio­n.

The pair have had the ball on a string over the past fortnight, and will look to continue their hot form.

 ?? Photo: Nev Madsen ?? LEADING THE WAY: Dalby Diehards centre Zac Morris has been in strong point-scoring form, and he added another 18 on the weekend (one try, seven goals).
Photo: Nev Madsen LEADING THE WAY: Dalby Diehards centre Zac Morris has been in strong point-scoring form, and he added another 18 on the weekend (one try, seven goals).
 ?? Photo: Nev Madsen ?? Southern Suburbs halfback Dwayne Duncan was injured in the loss to Dalby on the weekend.
Photo: Nev Madsen Southern Suburbs halfback Dwayne Duncan was injured in the loss to Dalby on the weekend.
 ?? Photo: Lachlan McIvor ?? Gatton A-grade coach Shaun Hobson special with the Hawks. is looking to build something
Photo: Lachlan McIvor Gatton A-grade coach Shaun Hobson special with the Hawks. is looking to build something
 ?? Photo: Nev Madsen ?? Jason Wardrop has been one of Dalby’s most consistent forwards, as they chase back-to-back premiershi­ps.
Photo: Nev Madsen Jason Wardrop has been one of Dalby’s most consistent forwards, as they chase back-to-back premiershi­ps.

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