By Glyn Rees
The 2024 Toowoomba Rugby League season curtain fell for the Wattles Warriors reserve grade team in Sunday’s Preliminary Final after finishing behind the Valleys Roosters 28–10 at Toowoomba’s Clive Berghofer Stadium.
The grinding game was anyone’s at halftime, before Valleys exerted their authority in the latter stages.
Valleys hard fought success ushers them into next Sunday’s reserve grade grand final against the Minor Premier Warwick Cowboys.
The Roosters snatched an early lead through their fullback Curtly Hammond off the back of a chip kick by five-eight Jaren Bender to lead 4 – 0 in a tightly contested opening 35 minutes.
Wattles finally broke onto the scoreboard when centre Brayden Wilson crashed over in the corner six minutes prior to the half time hooter, and with a sensational sideline conversion by halfback Tom Morris, Wattles went to halftime with a 6–4 advantage.
Roosters’ winger Uraia Korol crossed for what could be considered the touchdown of the match with his outstanding eighty metre individual effort five minutes into the second stanza.
The Korol try eased Valleys ahead 10–6, and when team mate and second rower Jake Lawry scored the first of his try double for the game, the Roosters surged further ahead 16-6 with 20 minutes to play.
With twelve minutes remaining on the match clock Curtly Hammond added to his shining performance with a second four-pointer, the Roosters taking a firm grip leading 22–6 as they worked to shut the game out.
Wattles were kept in touch at 10-22 when second – rower Jordan Henry shaped to pass and held up the defence before a fifteen-metre charge reaped a vital try as the game wound down.
The second Jake Lawry try put paid to Wattles 2024 season, as Valleys reached their winning 28-10 total and booked a ticket to the Grand Final and a chance to defend their 2023 premiership.
Ever dependable back rower Nick Morris was a premium performer for the Warriors, while bench forward Jordan Henry was another to excel.
Coach Tony Morris who completed his second season coaching the Wattles reserve graders commented, “it was tough day but that’s footy.”
“The boys had a solid first half, but as has been the case at times this season, they never brought that form out of the dressing shed after half time.
Valleys were in great form, and have been admirable opponents over the season.”
Valleys coach Shaun Weatherall rated his forwards Joe Mua, and Jake Lawry, along with fullback Curtly Hammond and centre Sam Lawry among his best, “the lads were very good for us.”
“Our team’s second half defence was one of our strengths, we kept showing up and working hard for each other.
“Our completion rate in the second half was also a bonus, we controlled the ball a lot better and were able to put points on the board.”
The Wattles Preliminary Final Reserve Grade team: 1. Josh Henry, 2. Alex Morris, 3. Lachlan Henry, 4. Braydon Wilson, 5. Isaac Leach, 6. Ryan Stevens, 7. Tom Morris, 8. Garth Lonergan, 9. Zac Stevens, 10. Dan Rub, 11. Tim Duggan, 12. Nick Morris, 13. Jack Duggan, 14. Michael Duggan, 15. Aaron Scheid, 16. Marley Tunstead, 17. John Lazzaroni, 18. Jordan Henry, 19. Ryan Duggan, 20. Paul Christensen.
Valleys 28 (Curtly Hammond 2, Jake Lawry 2, Uraia Korol, tries Jaren Bender 4 goals) Wattles 10 (Braydon Wilson Jordan Henry tries Tom Morris goal).
