By Casey O'Connor
The Warwick Cowboys secured a top three TRL spot after winning an exciting game against the Gatton Hawks on Sunday.
With plenty to play for the Cowboys hit their straps early to take an early lead when Matthew Marshall opened the scoring. A successful conversion put Warwick ahead 6-0 after 10 minutes.
The Hawks bombed what looked a certain try when centre Daniel Jennings dropped the ball on his way to an open try line. He made up for the indiscretion when he put his side on the board shortly after.
Gatton looked to have the upper hand when they posted two more tries and with one successful kick they held at 14-6 lead midway through the first half.
The Cowboys stuck to their task and were rewarded when Mitch Watson scored and captain Mick Bloomfield converted to get within two points for the Hawks.
In perhaps the play of the day the elusive Coedie Tandy took advantage of a lose Gatton carry and stole the ball and sprinted 90 metres to score on the half time siren. Bloomfield’s conversion was successful and the Cowboys went to the break with an 18-14 lead.
The Hawks were the first to score in the second half when Haydan Lipp turned nothing into a try to give Gatton the lead.
The lead changed as thee sides traded tries in the second half, before tries to Josh Cruice and Matt Marshall gave the Cowboys an eight-point buffer (34-26) with just three minutes left on the clock.
The Hawks picked up a converted try as the full time hooter sounded but the horse had bolted. Final score 34-32.
The Webcke Price Medal Points went to Craig Donn (3) Billy Jackwitz (2) Sam Broomhall (1)
Warwick fill finish the 2019 season fixtures with a home game at Fr Ranger Oval on Saturday night and are assured of a top three finish.
The Hawks have a tough assignment. They take on Valleys at herb Steinhort Oval.
Warwick 34 ( Matt Marshall 2, Mitch Watson, Codie Tandy, Sam Broomhall, Josh Cruice tries Mick Bloomfield 5 goals) defeated Gatton 32 (Billy Jackwitz 2,Daniel Jennings, Jayden Williams, Tyson White, Haydan Lipp, tries Dylan Flanagan 3, Tyson Mitchell goals).
Reserve Grade: – Gatton 50 d Warwick 4; Under 18:- Gatton 36 d. Warwick 14: Second Division: – Gatton 24 d. Warwick 16
Newtown 30 d. Goondiwindi 10
And don’t forget the Warwick Cowboys Octeros Cabinets Bull Ride is coming up on Friday 6 September. The event is an NRA-affiliated rodeo and will feature Open, Novice and U18 Junior Bull Rides, U15 Junior Steer Ride and Local Steer Ride – and Cowboys Footy Steer Ride – along with U12 and Local Poddy Rides. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 concession/pensioner/children 15-17 and children up to 14 free. entry. Gates open at 5pm for a 6pm start, with live music from Mik Oberle at the ‘after-party’.
The Warwick Cowboys Bull Ride is also proudly sponsored by the Warwick Hotel and Timothy Williams Dental – and more local sponsors are being keenly sought – for sponsorship enquiries contact Liz Brown on 0409 894 100.
