Toowoomba Rugby League will host another big weekend of finals on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4.
Below is a preview of the matches to look forward to.
Saturday, September 3 at Eastern Field, Kuhls Road, Highfields
1.30pm: Under 19 - Brothers Ipswich v Warwick
Warwick are the sentimental team of the finals given their journey in 2022. Irrespective of the result in this game, both teams are to be congratulated on their seasons.
These sides have only met the once this year in Round 9 with Ipswich Brothers winning 40-12. Both had different sides on that day and who knows who will win this match.
Ipswich’s experience from last week will help them. They just need to hang onto the ball whereas Warwick’s completion rate was one of the best in all finals last weekend.
3pm: Women - Goondiwindi v Oakey
It’s a shame these two debutants are playing and there has to be a loser. Both these teams can hold their heads up high.
On form, the Bears are looking good in this match after their win last week and Gundy’s loss, but don’t discount the Boars, apart from last weekend, they have been in form in the last part of the season. These sides met way back in Round 9 when Oakey won 28-0, but Goondiwindi had a heap out that day.
4.30pm Reserve Grade - Highfields v Valleys
Highfields started poorly last week and nearly pulled off a win, whereas Valleys were very good against Warwick. Plenty of experience in both sides and finals football experience will be invaluable come kick-off.
Again, it is important for the Eagles to win here and boost their A Graders in the following game. The Roosters are the only Valleys side left in the finals which is unheard of given their records.
Highfields reggies “home” record has been amazing. Apart from a draw with Gatton, every game at home has been handsomely won. The Eagles defeated Valleys at Valleys in Round 9, 44-12.
This is shaping up as a very good contest. Valleys are no slouches and Highfields love playing at home. The team that has the best completion rate will win this game.
6pm - A Grade - Highfields v Goondiwindi
These two teams meet again after just two weeks in a replay of last year’s grand final and at Highfields. This will be a different game to the contests they both played in the first week of the finals.
Both teams started their respective games not completing their sets. Goondiwindi were around 30 per cent and finished well, whereas Highfields started the first 15 minutes well and were terrible leading up to half time.
It will be another cliff hanger no doubt.
Sunday, September 4 at Cahill Park Sports Complex, 64 Buaraba Street, Gatton
10am: Under 19 - Gatton v Highfields
This will be the battles of the birds. Highfields are yet to defeat Gatton this season, but are knocking on the door. There was only four points in their last two matches. Gatton won in 16-12 in Round 17 and they also won the Presidents Cup 14-10.
You would think this is a dress rehearsal for this year’s grand final. A win here is golden as a week off will go a long way to freshening up the players.
It’s game breakers in both sides that will win this match. The more they have the ball in their hands the better.
11.30am: Women - Gatton v Newtown
One of the most anticipated matches of the season. They have not played each other for three-and-a-half months. It feels like they have been on different planets. Both teams have been going along nicely and effectively all season and they will both be jumping out of their skins to get to kick off on Sunday.
Whilst the usual playmakers for both sides will be prominent such as Courtney-Lee Nolan, Courtney Robinson and Ashlea Nolan for Hawks and Kiara Taylor, Tegan Gibbs and Natalia Parsons, it’s the unsung heroes from both sides that will go a long way to winning this match.
Rikki-Lee Boney and centres Paige Edwards and Grace McLauchlan are consistent players now for the Lions and their support of the key play makers will go a long way to defeat this crack Gatton side.
For Gatton, it’s Sarah Hoger, Natt Webb and Kim Dore who are excellent finishers off the back of the play makers that will put them in a position to get a crack at the second grand final in a row.
It’s shaping up well and Newtown are ever to spoil Hawks day, it’s this game as they have nothing to lose.
1pm: Reserve - Wattles v Gatton
A replay of last year’s grand final. These sides have a history and Wattles defeated them in Round 9 24-18 at Gatton which was very impressive.
Gatton found their mojo last weekend all on the back of an excellent start against Highfields. They won on what they know best; hanging onto the ball.
Wattles lay their hat on exactly the same thing. They rebounded well after their President’s Cup embarrassment and would still be hurting from that loss irrespective of their handsome win over the Eagles in Round 15.
They are a well-balanced side Warriors with plenty of game breakers. They have made an excellent culture in their side with players remaining in their positions all seasons.
The Morris boys, Jordan Henry and Mitch Duff are having a whale of a time this season and will be hard to beat come Sunday.
For Gatton, Jagan Swan, Michael Frohloff, Tye Gray and Mitch Graham have been excellent this season. They were very good last week, but their form this season has been a little inconsistent. Irrespective, they are 70 minutes away from defending their premiership.
2.30pm: A Grade - Gatton v Wattles
If there are two teams meeting in form this season, it’s this match. Wattles are at the peak of their form in 2022. They completed their sets so well, Highfields had no answer and before the Eagles knew it, they tackled for most of the match.
The key is the halves. Haydan Lipp and Travis Burns are in the form of their lives. Each sets of wingers will need to be so alert of their respective kicking games, they will be having nightmares leading up to the match.
Mind you, Lipp will test Wattles and if you go back to their Round 9 tussle. Warriors had no answer to his kick offs. How do you prepare for that?
In saying that, Matt Duggan’s goal line drop outs this season have been excellent. Hence a lot of the reason why their possession percentage is so high.
Wattles whole team have plenty of talent. Certainly, Burns and Duggan are the premier halves combination of the competition. Jackson Green is at the form that saw him win a Webcke Price medal and their forward pack are in form.
Ryan Duggan had his best game of the season last week and Tyson Stevens and Kai Duggan have stood up this season. Van Der Poel and Jennings are coming of age.
Gatton have strength right across the paddock. A lot of their games have been won on the back of Fa’ianga, Hafoka and Lisati’s meterage, whilst Tyson White’s evolution as one of the best centres continues to gain momentum.
Their back three of Seul, Williams and Self are safe as houses and their back row of Foueti, Brett and Hicks are the best in the competition.
Possession percentage and emotional control the key to who wins this game. There are players in both sides that have times of poor reactions that let their teams down and if they control that. Then that will go a long way to wining the game and allowing them to bounce back if they lose.
Irrespective of results on the day, it will be a wonderful occasion for the Gatton club with four grades and at home. It will be such a special occasion and what a crowd there will be.
Congratulations, and it is timely to remind all attendees that behaviour controls are paramount not only for this game but all games in this final series. Have a great weekend!
Main image: Highfields captain Jarrod Lee
