Star halfback back but Wattles go down at home
RUGBY LEAGUE: Despite the return of star playmaker Matt Duggan from an injury spell, the Wattles Warriors tasted defeat at Platz Oval on Saturday evening with the Highfields Eagles finishing victors 24-12.
Both teams were locked together at 6-all on the half-time scoreboard, a try apiece in the first 40 minutes scored by halfbacks Duggan and Highfields star Jarrod Lee, the match itself a dour struggle for the initial 65 minutes.
Wattles were more than keen for victory in what was the feature match of their 12 hours of rugby league Super Saturday, and led 12-6 at the 60-minute mark. A full round of junior matches against Collegians started early Saturday.
However, when Highfields Toowoomba representative halfback Lee snatched his second try of the game it inspired his side to lift a cog and dominate the last 20 minutes of the match.
Highfields finished strongly scoring 18 consecutive points including three touchdowns to overwhelm the home side Warriors.
Highfields 24 (Jarrod Lee 2, Aaron Hooper, Nick Bainbridge tries; Jarrod Lee 4 goals) d Wattles 12 (Matt Duggan, James Johnson tries; Matt Duggan 2 goals).
Reserve grade: Wattles 44 defeated Highfields 10.
Under 18: Highfields 42 defeated Wattles 12.
