Wattles put on a show in rampage
RUGBY LEAGUE: A rampant Wattles outfit has returned to its best form by cracking the half century.
The Warriors started and finished strong on their way to a 52-18 defeat of Valleys at the John McDonald Sports Complex on Sunday.
After conceding first, the Warriors piled on six-straight tries to take a commanding 34-6 lead at the break.
The Roosters fought their way back through an incredible four-try effort to debutant Robert Fangatua, but it was Wattles who again fired, with Aaron Hooper bringing up his hat-trick to cap off the big win.
“That’s probably our best half of the year. We held the ball, we created some ruck speed so me and Trav (Burns) could play a little bit and we managed to score some points,” Matt Duggan told TRL Media.
“The second half was a bit disappointing. Valleys are a good side, and they put it to us for a bit there, but we managed to get back on top.”
Valleys skipper Drew Jackson said a less than ideal preparation came back to bite them.
“It comes down to continuity. We probably didn’t train good on Friday night with a few boys going up to the (Ipswich) Jets,” he said.
“Don’t take anything away from Wattles, they’re the benchmark. They complete sets, they play tough footy and they don’t let each other down.
“Robert’s a little rocket. You know if they’re ready for A-grade. He took a heap of tough carries and knows where to be at the right time. Even if you’re 19 or 32, good players know what to do.”
Highfields backed up its win in the Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy final with a big 70-12 defeat of Southern Suburbs at Gold Park.
Brenton Clement, Jake Brauer, Blake Appo, Nick Bainbridge and Josh Keoller all scored doubles, with Matt Jones getting across the line in his A-grade debut.
Down in Warwick, the Cowboys maintained pace with the top-five after downing Pittsworth 46-16.
Harry Sullivan, Dustin Close and Tyrelle Ross all produced two tries for the day.
Gatton, Highfields, Wattles and Dalby all remain on top of the standings with 19 competition points, one win ahead of Goondiwindi.
TRL WOMEN
President’s Cup champions Gatton had to survive a scare before coming clear to take a 16-4 win over Oakey.
The Hawks held a slender 12-4 advantage at the break, before Nat Webb’s second try sealed the game.
Newtown hit back after its defeat last week to post a 40-20 win over Goondiwindi at home, with Rikki-Lee Boney scoring four tries.
Dalby is back in the winner’s circle after coming away with a big 38-4 win over Brothers at Glenholme Park.