There were plenty of rugby league highlights in all age groups as Round 12 of the Central Highlands Junior Rugby League season was played out across the Highlands.
Tigers Green Under 6s played Brothers White on the weekend, and coach Levi Hegarty was impressed with the improvement his young charges have shown over the season. “They don’t need as much guidance as they did, and are starting to develop as players needing minimum direction.”
Hegarty was particularly impressed with Jesi Blanko, grandson of Tigers longstanding coach, Mick Parsons. “Jesi is really starting to show his talent.” Sophia Wright also was recognised. “Sophia was a late addition to the team, but she has taken to the game very well running and tackling.”
Over on the Gemfields, the Under 8s got the nod for the game of the day from President Dale Bryce. “The kids played the best they have played all year.” Best on the field for the Under 8s was Ben McKeering. “He was everywhere - strong in attack and defence.” Bryce said a win for the team was just around the corner. He also wanted to acknowledge the efforts all season of Zeta Boon, the Gemfields canteen convenor. “She is there all day every day running the canteen, and organising the helpers. Like all clubs, we need the funds raised from the canteen, and we could not run our club without the efforts of Zeta.”
The Springsure Under 10s once again managed to keep their opponents scoreless on the weekend. Best on the field were Michael Chaplin, Sterling Smith and Mitchell Baker. Club spokesperson, Vicki Gale said Michael at fullback was outstanding, while Sterling had a strong defensive game. “Mitchell had a strong defensive game and got plenty of offloads away as well.”
Still at Springsure, and the Under 12s were lucky enough to play two games on the weekend. Firstly, they played Clermont on the Saturday and Gale said they all played really well together. “Standout was Dane McGrath who had a very good defensive game.” Sunday, they took on the Tigers and came up against a very solid Tigers pack. “It was a close game, and Cody Durdin was outstanding. Jacob Fletcher ran and tackled well, and Charlie Kay scored a couple of sneaky tries.”
Across in Blackwater, the Under 14s won their first game of the season against the Clermont Bears. The coach was so impressed with the team’s performance that he awarded the player of the match to the entire team. Club secretary, Megan Rauchle said the coach was very happy with his team’s sportsmanship and team work. “Mitch Brown was a standout at fullback scoring three tries, and the biggest half back in the Highlands, Zimba Vudzi also had a great game.”
