By Glyn Rees
The Jack Duggan–Gary Sutton Shield, now in it’s second season, was shared after Wattles Warriors and Pittsworth Danes played out a nail-biting 12-all draw at Clifton’s Platz Oval on Sunday.
The result of the Toowoomba Rugby League Round eight clash disappointed Wattles coach Travis Burns, especially, as his side had absorbed the Danes first half onslaught to hold a six-nil lead after the initial forty minutes.
Wattles first stanza try came from quicksilver wing finisher Joey Willett after a torrid first half hour of play in ideal league weather conditions.
Willett capitalised on a well-placed Matt Christensen grubber kick behind the Danes line in the 27th minute, diving on the beckoning pill to allow the Warriors a vital first up lead.
It was opposite side winger Mitch Bourke who skidded in for the Warriors follow up touchdown fifteen minutes after the second stanza kick-off, the Warriors easing ahead in their push for the Duggan – Sutton silverware and two essential Hutchinson Builders Premiership competition points.
The try was the result of in-form three quarter Andy Richardson committing two Danes defenders as he hightailed it with the ball before offloading to Bourke who touched down in the corner for his eighth season try.
With Wattles ahead 12-nil with just thirteen minutes to play, the old adage ‘it ain’t over until it’s over’ kicked in, with Pittsworth racing in two tries in the space of six minutes by fullback Laurie Jocumsen and halfback Thomas O’Sullivan to see the scoreboard locked at 12 – 12 with six minutes to play.
The final minutes never produced an overall winner, both sides sharing the premiership points and the Jack Duggan – Gary Sutton Shield.
The John Bermingham-Jamie Johnston Memorial medallion recognising the best and fairest players in the game was shared by outstanding performers Blake Cullen of Pittsworth and Andy Richardson of Wattles.
For the Danes back-rowers Liam Short and Cameron Millar along with hard running prop Nick Nairn also shone throughout, while evergreen forward Tyson Stevens led the Warriors pack from the front.
Pittsworth coach James Quinn commended all players on both teams for a high-quality game and their resilience.
“Both sides endured sustained periods of pressure, and for the final score to be level is a testament to the defence of both teams.”
Wattles hold their third place on the A Grade premiership ladder with a superior for and against ahead of the Dalby Diehards who are on equal points, Pittsworth siting one point shy of both on fifth rung.
Wattles 12 (Joe Willett, Mitch Bourke tries; Brayden Paix 2 goals) drew with Pittsworth 12 (Laurie Jocumsen, Thomas O’Sullivan tries; Kade Warren 2 goals).
Reserve Grade
Wattles 32 (Isaac Leach 2, Garth Lonergan, Ben Comerford, Jack Duggan, Lachlan Henry tries; Tom Morris 4 goals) defeated Pittsworth 6 (Jacob Little try; Kaelum Fraser-Bellette).
Under 19
Wattles 54 (Sam Gilmore 2, Lachlan Clements, McCabe Miller, Koby De Luka, Sunnie Tunstead, George Nott, Reuben Sullivan, Toby Schwenke, Bryce Stewart tries; Koby De Luka 7 goals) defeated Pittsworth 4 (Clay Dempsey try).
TRL Round nine
Wattles head west to Goondiwindi and Gilbert Oval on Saturday to shape up against the Boars in A & Reserve Grades, the Under 19 side enjoying a bye.
