Herald 20220920

Eagles win premierships in two grades
What a grand final day for the Highfields Eagles
with the men’s under 19 and reserve grade sides
playing for Toowoomba Rugby League 2022 premierships.
The Highfields seniors club kicked off in the
TRL competition in 2011 so have been chasing
a premiership for 11 years and leading into Sunday’s
games, both teams were confident in their
form and keen to play for their jersey, their families
and the club.
The under 19s were first at 9.45am against the
Gatton Hawks. The last time these two sides came
together, the Hawks won convincingly at home
to book themselves straight into the grand final
which earned them a week off.
The Eagles had to battle it out again the following
week at Warwick to play in the big dance
and came away from that game with two players
suspended but a bucket load of confidence after a
whole-hearted performance.
They brought that confidence and relentless enthusiasm
to grand final day which sent the Gatton
Hawks for a six. They had no answers in the start
with the Eagles putting on two early tries in the
first half.
Just before the break the Hawks found some grit
and hit back with two tries of their own making
the score 10-all going into the break. The half time
chat did wonders for the Eagles. They started the
second half with a winner’s determination which
saw them score early. Top marks for University of
Southern Queensland
This was followed by a penalty in front of the
posts adding another two points. Leading by eight,
Highfields settled into the half well and with a level
head, took out the 2022 TRL premiership 18-14
over the Gatton Hawks.
Player of the match was Chad Lebsanft.
Highfields 18 (Tries: Zac Brown, Chad Lebsanft,
Jai Purser. Goals: Chad Lebsanft 2/3) defeated
Gatton 14 (Tries: Cooper Liston2, Kaden Buhse.
Goals: Kaden Buhse 1/3).
The well drilled reserve grade Eagles side came
up against Wattles Warriors and were keen to continue
the winning streak after cheering on the 19s
and certainly did that and more.
Wattles had nothing against the Eagles on the
big stage losing 27-6.
This win meant so much to the team who have
fought so hard all season to get this point. They
dominated across the park in all positions and
certainly played for their jersey, their club, their
families and more.
Highfields 27 (Tries: Blake Appo 2, Brayden Josephs,
Cooper Bowyer, Jake Brauer. Goals: Cory
Haywood 3/5) defeated Wattles 6 (Tries: Mitchell
Duff. Goals: Thomas Morris 1/1).
Player of the match was Blake Appo.
Making history for the Highfields Eagles seniors
club, the 19s and reserve graders have certainly
done themselves very proud and deserved
the wins. – Sally Haywood
• FRONT PAGE PHOTO: Celebration time
for Jack Hutton, Steve Rach and Jake Brauer.
Under 19s Zac Brown, Connor Nicholls, Bailey Nash, Chad Lebsanft, Lachy Fanning and
Jayden Wood
Blake Appo, Jake Brauer and Cory Haywood - top players in reserve grade win
Highfields Eagles reserve grade Toowoomba Rugby League premiership winners
Highfields Eagles under 19 Toowoomba Rugby League premiership winners
12 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 To advertise phone 4615 4416 or email herald@highcountrynews.net.au