TRL TRIALS: Warwick fights late to secure Barrett Shield victory

A LATE Matt Marshall try helped the Cowboys get one over their local rivals in the TRL pre-season.

Warwick and Wattles come together after the Barrett Shield. Photo: Emily Clooney

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Warwick Cowboys have claimed the Barrett Shield at Platz Oval with a hard-fought 20-14 defeat of Wattles.

Warwick had the early running, with Ben Sullivan getting the scoring underway with a crafty grubber and regather from dummy half, before Jake Speed crossed in the corner to stretch the lead out to 12.

Braydon Wilson helped keep Wattles in the hunt with a try prior to the break, which gave the home side plenty of momentum as they looked to secure victory in front of a big Clifton crowd.

After the break, two quick tries in succession to backrower Ty Gardner gave Wattles its first lead of the game at 14-12.

An arm wrestle ensued, before Matt Marshall’s 71st minute try proved the matchwinner.

Zac Loxley of Southern Suburbs. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Herb Steinohrt Oval played host to a number of fixtures between Valleys and Southern Suburbs.

It started with the women and a first opportunity to look at a number of new players in the TRL women’s competition.

In the end Valleys secured a tight 12-4 victory.

The main game of the day saw the back-to-back defending A-grade premier Valleys side prove too strong for Souths, running out 32-4 victors.

At Gilbert Oval, Goondiwindi rounded out an unbeaten pre-season with a comprehensive 48-16 defeat of West Mitchelton.

Dalby is another side that kept its perfect record intact ahead of round one.

The Diehards welcomed a visiting Brighon Roosters side to town, claiming a 30-26 win in their final hitout before round one.

The faithful at Kuhls Rd got their first chance to witness Cory McGrady back in a Highfields jersey.

The halfback played strongly as the Eagles downed Tugan 16-12.

In Ipswich, Brothers Leprechauns were no match for Ipswich Brothers, falling 46-10.

Warwick and Newtown will host trials this weekend, with Pittsworth on the road.

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