By Casey O'Connor
The Warwick Cowboys and Stanthorpe Gremlins C Grade teams went head to head in the hot conditions on Saturday at Fr Ranger Oval. Gremlins captain takes the ball up in a strong run late in the second half.
There was an excellent crowd at Fr Ranger Oval to support the early games on Saturday which were played in very hot conditions. Players took additional on field drinks breaks to combat the conditions.
Collegians and Eastern Suburbs got the afternoon off to a good start with an under 16 trial game. Collegians proved too strong winning 40-6.
The Stanthorpe Gremlins will field a side in the 2019 TRL C Grade competition. On Saturday they suffered a 28-8 loss to a well drilled and much fitter Cowboys side.
Despite the loss there were some good signs for the Gremlins.
Michael Marini scored both of the Gremlins tries. Captain Gary Skimmings worked hard all day as did five eighth Jarrod Irwin.
Cowboys Winger Dale Lee gave the Gremlins plenty to chase scoring two tries. Brock Eastwell and Aden Howard also looked impressive while Dylan Galloway is lacing up the boots again in 2019 and scored a good try and kicked well.
The Under 18 game finished in a nail biter with the Cowboys sneaking home for a two-point win when Corey Stewart converted a late try. The final score 26-24. There were some good performances from both sides.
Warwick has impressive numbers in Under 18’s with 12 players on a bulging bench – a good sign for the season.
Tyler Gillam and Matthew Christensen turned in eye catching performances for Wattles
The home teams looked to be on a roll when the Reserve Grade scored a 24-16 win. Winger Ben Strong crossed twice in the game.
Judging by the crowd numbers at Fr Ranger Oval last weekend fans will be pleased when the TRL seasons gets underway.
