RUGBY LEAGUE: Wattles' venture to the Lockyer Valley brought no success for its National Farmer's Warehouse first-grade side on Sunday, beaten 40-28 by the Gatton Hawks at Cahill Park, the home side running in seven tries to five.

The match started in a worrying fashion for Wattles, the Hawks scoring two early tries to lead 12-0 after five minutes of play.

Mobile forward Brady Glass scored minutes later to jolt Wattles to reality, however three follow-up tries by centre Tim Hentschel, five-eighth Burwood Robinson and hooker Josh McIntosh saw the Warriors right in the mix at half time trailing 22-24.

The second stanza saw Wattles snatch the lead early after lock forward Liam Ross broke from the scrum base and off-loaded to Tim Hentschel to score his second try.

With the match in their grasp, leading 28-24, Wattles could be excused for thinking they may have been on the road to a 2012 season initial victory.

Alas, accomplished Gatton finisher Terry Geary swung the scoreboard pendulum back the Hawks way to lead marginally 30-28 with 28 minutes remaining.

The Gatton crowd got to cheer their side home, though, centre Scott Cubit and former Warwick Cowboys hooker Aaron McVeigh scoring tries in the final 10 minutes of the match.

Tim Hentschel continued his great form of last week, voted player's player and taking Wattles man-of-the-match honours. Departing Wattles hero Jason Nightingale and talented hooker Josh McIntosh were also among the best in green and gold.

It was great to see Wattles stalwart Ross Hentschel back in club colours after a stint in Cairns, playing and coaching with Ivanhoe's Rugby League Club. His obvious experience will add much to the Warriors' line-up, and couldn't have occurred at a better time.

Wattles points came from the tries by Hentschel (2), Glass, Robinson and Josh McIntosh, and four goals by halfback Jordan Henry.

Wattles Railway Hotel Allora reserve graders may have brought home the bacon against the Hawks in Round 1, but the result was reversed on Sunday in the Round 10 clash, Gatton finishing 28-18 victors.

It could be argued the match started slipping from the Warriors' grasp when they were reduced to 12 men after Clinton Woodbridge was sent off in the 46th minute.

The Rob McIntosh-coached Wattles' side led for much of the game, Gatton nosing in front after scoring in the 65th minute to lead 20-18. Another try in the dying stages sealed the win.

Wattles take on TRL heavyweights Valleys on home turf at Platz Oval on Sunday, the top-grade side still pursuing that elusive first-season winning result. Matches kick off at 11.30am (under-18), 1pm (reserve grade) and 2.30 pm (A-grade).

- Glyn Rees