DESPITE an encouraging start, the Wattles' purple patch ended at Platz Oval on Saturday evening when the Highfields Eagles came from behind to defeat the Warriors 31-24.

The Wattles were on a four-match winning roll after accounting for Oakey, Souths, Warwick and Gatton in succession.

The latter stages of Saturday evening's game weren't for the faint of heart. The Eagles slick winger Brandon Cubby sizzled 70m to score in the 68th minute and lock the scoreboard at 24-all.

The Wattles missed with an attempt at a field goal soon after, but it was Highfields five-eight Jeff Nielsen who hoisted a high drop goal in the 73rd minute to break the deadlock.

The final minutes of play had the atmosphere at fever pitch, but as the match clock indicated two minutes remaining Eagles second rower Matthew Prowse put the result beyond doubt touching down for the match-winning try.

The match was vital for both sides - the Wattles still perched at number three on the ladder, and Highfields improving their chances at a top-five berth.

The Warriors error rate from the outset did them no favours, but they started well, crossing for two early tries through the Koina brothers Mitch and Joel. The Wattles defence was left wanting at times and the Eagles took control in a 12-minute spell immediately prior to half-time.

Halfback Josh Duncan opened the scoring for the Eagles with a try in the 21st minute, and lock Wayne Weribone followed up with two further tries in a man-of-the-match performance. The Eagles led 18-16 at the break.

The Wattles started the second stanza looking somewhat casual, and struggling with ball security, but Joel Koina had the scoreboard going in the right direction again when he touched down in the 54th minute. Back rower Dan Manley added further to Wattles' total soon after, the home side assuming the lead 24-18.

Highfields were up to the task though, lifting the intensity in the final 20 minutes on their way a valuable victory.

The Eagles had the better of the match on the night, further enhancing their chances of experiencing finals football in August.

Wattles coach Luke Duggan was disappointed with his side's intensity and enthusiasm. "Neither was good enough from a side third on the ladder, and because of that our execution was down," he said.

Wayne Weribone was outstanding for the Eagles, representative prop and coach Eugene Seddan also impressive and leading by example. Fullback Jackson Green was Wattles best, hooker Liam Ross another to shine in a hotly contested match-up.

- Glyn Rees

SCORES

A-grade: Highfields 31 (Wayne Weribone 2, Joshua Duncan, Matthew Prowse, Brandon Cubby tries; Joshua Duncan 4, Brandon Cubby goals, Jeffrey Nielsen field goal) defeated Wattles 24 (Joel Koina 2, Mitch Koina, Dan Manley tries; Matt Duggan 4 goals).

Reserve grade: Highfields 34 (Wayne Hippi 2, Abby Duncan, Brandon Cubby, Wayne Weribone, Darren Nean tries; Regan Howells 3, Brandon Cubby 2 goals) defeated Wattles 26 (Jason Wilson 2, Alex Morris 2, Alex Griffiths tries; Brady Glass 3 goals).

Under 18: Wattles 28 (Neil Ranger 2, Ben Comerford, Garth Lonergan, Jayden Baker tries; Nick Morris 4 goals) defeated Highfields 26 (Steven Sperling, Mark Buddee, Brandon McIntosh, Anthony Kaarsberg, Konner Millett tries; Ben George 3 goals).