Highfields halts Warwick’s season
Warwick missed out on keeping its season alive and contesting a Hutchinson Builders TRL Premiership play-off after a 36-20 loss to Highfields at Father Ranger Oval.
Souths’ simultaneous win over Gatton opened the door for Warwick to finish in a three-way share of sixth to force a second mid-week play-off but the Cowboys couldn’t beat Highfields to make that happen.
Highfields winger Aaron Hooper used his pace to skirt down the grandstand touchline to score after four minutes of the game but Warwick responded quickly with the first of three tries to winger Kai Etherington.
The score was 8-8 after 26 minutes before Highfields scored three tries in 12 minutes to lead 26-8 at half-time.
One of the tries was an outstanding effort by Hooper, who made a long break down the grandstand touchline and then kicked infield to regather and score. The Cowboys’ season was on the line and they trailed 26-20 with 17 minutes to go and gave it everything.
Highfields fullback Blake Appo cross-kicked in the 74th minute for Hooper to score wide out to put his side 10 points up.
The Eagles scored a late converted try for a 36-20 win.
After the game, Highfields coach Justin McKellar said he was happy with the win heading into the finals.
“We fell in a bit of a hole in the second half but were pretty good defensively towards the end of the game,” he said.
Highfields will play Wattles in an elimination semi-final this weekend and McKellar’s main injury concern is five-eighth Nick Bainbridge.
Warwick coach Craig Mullaly said the final 15 minutes of the first half cruelled his side.
“We were getting tired and they put on three tries which hurt us a bit,” Mullaly said.
“Our team stuck pretty well to Highfields in the second half.”
Valleys also claimed the minor premiership with a 33-26 win over Wattles, while Dalby took out the club championship.