Cowboys winners in final game

Winner of the Basil Nolan Medal, Mitch Wilson was presented with the award by James Nolan son of the late Basil Nolan. Cowboys photos by Gerard Walsh supplied by the Cowboys.

By Casey O'Connor

The Warwick Cowboys wrapped up their final home game of 2021 with a win over arch-rivals, the Wattles, in front of a packed house at Fr Ranger Oval on Old Boy’s day.

The win fired a warning shot over the bows of the remaining teams bound for the TRL finals, issuing a reminder that they are serious contenders in the race their first Premiership since 1988.

In a tough game, typical of clashes between these two rivals, the Cowboys posted first points on the back of a successful penalty goal kicked by Matt Marshall.

Wattles suffered a major blow when Travis Burns suffered an ankle injury mid-way through the first half.

Both sides found it difficult to find penetrate the try line before Dylan Galloway scored in the 28th minute to set up a six-nil lead for the Cowboys.

It didn’t take long before Wattles returned serve levelling the score with a Mitch Koina try. The teams went to the break with the scores locked at six-all.

Following the break Mitch Watson, relishing the full back role crossed to swing the game back to the Cowboys who led 12-6 following the successful conversion.

It was the first of three tries to the Cowboys in the second half. Halfback Mitch Wilson had arguably his best game of the season scoring a double.

The first of Wilson’s tries came in the 48th minute and Marshall who kicked well on Saturday night added the extras to extend the lead to 18-6.

Marshall then added another two points kicking his second penalty goal in the game and with 25 minutes still left on the clock the Cowboys held a 20-6 lead.

Wattles who were troubled by the Warwick defence were their own worst enemies with a poor completion rate. They were never going to go away though and a try to Matt Christensen in the 59th minute was converted by Matt Duggan. With the score 20-12 Wattle’s supporters were hoping for a late surge.

The Cowboys, in front of a big contingent of Old Boy’s stuck firmly to their game plan. When Wilson crossed for his second try with five minutes remaining and Marshall added the extras, the local supporters sensed a win. The Cowboy’s defended to the final siren to claim a 26-12.

The Cowboys were without captain Mick Bloomfield and had several other key players sidelined but did not miss a beat. Coach Matt Grew had plenty of reasons to smile after the game. His team will be filled with confidence following the win as they head into the knockout semi-final this weekend.

Mitch Wilson was named Player of the Match and was presented with the Basil Nolan Medal following the game.

WARWICK 26 (Mitch Wilson 2, Mitch Watson, Dylan Galloway tries; Mathew Marshall 5 goals) defeated WATTLES 12 (Matthew Christensen, Mitch Koina tries; Matt Duggan 2 goals).

In other games Wattles won the Reserve grade battle 18-12. The Cowboys Under 18’s had a 48-12 win while the ladies were defeated by Gatton 28-12.

Warwick Game Day Awards

A grade – Best Forward Keiran Fender – Best Back Mitch Wilson

Reserve grade – Best Forward Tom Lloyd – Best Back Jamie Abbas

Under 18s – Best Forward Damien Beresford – Best Back Jonah Duncan

Ladies – Best Forward Carly Cooper – Best Back Jayde Ware