By Candyce Grew
AS THE Warwick Cowboys approach the second half of the Toowoomba Rugby League season, coaches remain confident their teams will have a strong run into the finals.
Warwick Cowboys Under 18s coach Scott Fisher said despite three tough weeks against top teams, the narrow losses proved how tough the competition is.
“We had a well-deserved win when we travelled to Nanango, with Jayden Tucker scoring a hattrick and kicking five goals,” Fisher said.
“We’ve now had two weeks off and then will face Valleys for a tough test to start the second round of the year.
“With a few men back from injury, we will be even stronger on this last stretch to the finals.”
Warwick Cowboys Reserve Grade coach Aaron McVeigh said his team had a competitive start to the season, winning six games, drawing one and losing four in a close fashion.
“Whilst it has been a difficult season through injuries for the club, it has given opportunities for plenty of players to step up and wear the Cowboys jersey,” McVeigh said.
“Senior players Morgan Taylor, Cameron Mulcahy, Evan Sombrooks, Brodie Quirk and Dean Weller have all been inspiration in getting the side to the top five at the midway point.
“Up and coming stars Jake Speed, Matt Henry, Dan Conn and Jye Barrett have all played leading roles.
“We are hoping to get everyone back on deck leading into the business end of the season to play some entertaining footy and aim to make the finals with five of the last seven games at Father Ranger Oval.”
Warwick Cowboys Ladies co-coach Terri Gilbert said with six wins and one loss, she and co-coach Mark Sullivan, were “beyond impressed” with the wonderful start to the season.
“We believe with the improvement we show each week, our dedication and commitment, the finals are definitely our goal for the second half of the season,” Gilbert said.
“Our leadership team of Carly Cooper, Jayde Ware and captain Lisa Croft’s guidance each week on and off the field is invaluable to our young team and their knowledge and experience leading the team around the field has been a huge factor in our success.
“Our little pocket-rocket forward Kaitlyn Anderson with her barnstorming runs and bone-jarring tackles and our try-scoring machine Amanda Hinch who has scored six tries in one home game already this season are worth the admission to come and watch.
“In the second half of the season we will continue to work on all aspects of our game making sure we do the basics right and improve our tackling and ball running.”
Warwick Cowboys A Grade coach Matt Grew said that even though the team has had a tough first round, with mostly away games, they played some good football in tough matches.
“It is disappointing we dropped a few games we should have won in the first round,” Mr Grew said.
“The standard of football in the TRL competition is really exceptional and we will need to improve our football to be a good shot at finals football this year.
“I am very happy with the standard of football that our young A Graders have been playing, it is exciting for the club to have such a high quality of talent coming though.”
