Warwick and Wattles in battle of four for TRL finals spots
RUGBY LEAGUE: Wattles has their future in their own hands while Warwick has to hope other results go their way in the battle for top-six spots in Toowoomba Rugby League A-grade finals.
With three rounds to go, four teams are battling it out for the final two spots with two games to go each.
Warwick and Wattles both play top-four teams Valleys and Highfields in their final two games.
Mathematically, Highfields could miss the finals but it is very unlikely, especially as Gatton and Souths meet and are two of the teams battling with Warwick and Wattles for the final two spots.
Superb performances by gutsy front-rower Michael Pearson and gifted halfback Matt Duggan paved the way for a sensational 36-10 victory by Wattles over TRL table pacesetters Dalby at Platz Oval on Sunday.
Wattles' 2017 injury list may read like a short electoral roll but they showed plenty of depth and courage against a full strength Dalby.
Tough as teak bookend Pearson gave no quarter against the fancied opponents, leading a forward pack that inspired with their defence and never took a backward step.
Wattles lost reggies 26-6 and U18s 68-6.
Coach Gary Lawrence was also impressed with front rower Jarred Bradfield but rated his 17 players highly.
"We had some ugly moments but everyone hung in. Matt Duggan was named players' player but full marks to our bench, they were the key to the result.”
Three players scored eight tries between them as Warwick Cowboys beat Oakey 72-4 in A-grade at Father Ranger Oval.
Fullback Mitch Watson scored four tries in U18s and then scored three tries in A grade in a game where he combined well with his brother, centre Dan Watson.
Lock Mick Bloomfield scored three tries and centre Dion Galloway two in the 72-4 A-grade victory.
Warwick scored 13 tries and Dan Watson landed 10 goals.
Bloomfield said he was confident Warwick could still make the top-six in A grade.
"We had a sloppy first half but we played better in the second half,” he said.
Mitch Watson said he really enjoyed his chance in A grade.
"I worked a lot with my brother Dan who gave me great passes,” Mitch said.
In the U18s, Dustin Close scored three tries and Kai Etherington landed eight goals in an 80-0 win.
Brandon Vaughan scored three tries and landed seven goals for Warwick in a 58-6 reserve-grade win.
Warwick is third in U18s and equal sixth in reggies.
Games to go: Wattles (16 points) July 22-23 Bye, July 30 Wattles v Highfields away, August 6 Valleys at home
Gatton (16) July 22-23 Bye, July 29 Pittsworth away, August 6 Souths at home
Warwick(14) July 22-23 Bye, July 30 Valleys away, August 6 Highfields at home
Souths (14) July 23 Valleys at home, July 29-30 Bye, August 6 Gatton away
LADDER A grade: Dalby 22, Valleys 22, Pittsworth 20, Highfields 18, Wattles 16, Gatton 16, Warwick 14, Souths 14, Brothers 4,Oakey 2, Goondiwindi 2. (Two for a win, one for a draw, 0 for loss).