Cowboys down to Souths

Gerard Walsh sports@thedailyjournal.ink

After five successive wins, the Warwick Cowboys lost 32-8 to Souths in the Toowoomba Rugby League A-grade game at Gold Park on Sunday May 21.

Coach Col Speed said his side lacked enthusiasm and energy in the game.

“Our preparation was poor but I knew Souths would be tough,” Speed said.

Hooker Harry Sullivan was the players’ player and centre Joe Fuimaono as strong as ever.

Warwick went into the game with prop Damian McIntosh battling the flu and lost fellow prop Byron Creighton in the first minute with injury and then fullback Lachie Gee later in the game.

Outside backs Jake Speed and Tyrelle Ross scored for the Cowboys.

McIntosh played his second game for the Cowboys after transferring from Brighton Roosters in Brisbane and travels from Redcliffe to play.

He has now linked with the Cowboys and received two points in the players’ player voting in the win against Dalby which gave the Cowboys five wins from five games.

McIntosh was impressed with the Cowboys win against Dalby.

“We showed a lot of com- mitment,” he said.

Nick Pails also plays in the front row and is in his first full season in A grade after playing reserve grade last season.

Originally from Wheatvale, he played juniors with Wattles. He now works as a cabinet maker.

“The goal is to make the finals and go all the way (to the grand final),” he said.

Coach Col Speed said McIntosh added a new dimension to the team with his height, athleticism and ability to upload the ball.

“Nick is a workhorse in A grade who is improving each week,” Speed said.

“He was tough and courageous against Souths.

“Dan Conn came back from work commitments and played well off the bench at prop in the game on Sunday.”

The team is still without forward Darryl Eperia who was injured in the Toowoomba Clydesdales 47th Battalion win.

Warwick won 24-22 in reserve grade but lost 16-14 in the under-19 grade after the game was called off 20 minutes early after a serious injury to a Souths player.

Reserve grade: Warwick 24 (Corey Stewart, Sam Dacian Raumati, Damien Beresford, Matthew Henry, Senio Tuala tries, Matthew Henry 2 goals) d Souths 22

Under 19: Souths 16 d

Warwick 14 (Lachlan Collins 2, Jeffrey Ross 1 tries, Jamaine Smith goal)