Beaudesert Warriors’ under 15 side is gearing up for the semi-finals after finishing the regular season unbeaten and on top of the ladder.
The Warriors beat second-placed Palm Beach Alleygators 24-5 in a hard fought, last round battle on the weekend.
The Alleygators’ punishing defence took the Warriors by surprise early, leading to a change of strategy for the forwards. They stepped it up in a tight fight up the middle pick and drive, with prop Dylan Hahn getting over for the first try.
The Alleygators hit back with their counter rucking, which rattled the Warriors’ defence and opened up space for a counter try.
A return to the game plan allowed the Warriors to move the ball though their fast backline and Alex Gilliland got over for their second try, making the half-time score 12-5.
Coach Sam Gilliland used his speech at the break to urge the team to get their structure back and take control the game.
The Warriors’ forwards picked up the intensity in the second half, working hard on their pick and drive in attack and pillar, post, and key in defence. A disallowed try by Levi Gough, held up over the line, meant a five-metre scrum to the Warriors, which was a solid contest. Halfback Harry Watts darted low from the side and over the line for the Warriors’ third try.
Confidence regained, the next try came from the fast backline setting up a play. Quinn Beggs in the corner helped the Warriors put the stamp on an undefeated season with a 24-5 win.
Player of the match went to Harry Maguire for his tireless work in attack and defence.
The Warriors head into next Sunday’s semi-finals full of confidence.
UNDER 13s
The under 13 Warriors faced off against Surfers Paradise Green on Saturday in a game that pitted two even teams against each other.
The Warriors got off to a good start, crossing for two early tries through Cian Morgan and Jacob Reid.
Reid’s try will be shown on the highlights reel for years to come after he produced some miracle work to extend the lead, taking an intercept on his own tryline before running 50 metres to put a chip kick over the fullback, regather the ball, step the winger and slide into the corner.
Surfers hit back with a couple of late tries of their own, before the Warriors put the win beyond doubt with a try to halfback Aaron Smith.
Ben Staunton was strong at the breakdown, but with uncontested scrums being called by Surfers he had extra work to do in general play.
The final score was 19-17, putting the Warriors in the box seat to make the semi-finals playoff in two weeks’ time.
