Pictured: The successful Under 11 Longreach Tigers team. Photo: Sally Graham
The Central West Rugby League grand final was held last Saturday at the Eric Lenton Memorial Sports Ground in Winton.
What a great day of footy action! It started out at 10am with the Junior Cluster morning with U7, U9 & U11 teams from across the central west along with juniors from Hughenden participating in a round robin clash. Players then collected State of Origin, Cowboys and Broncos posters plus NRL stickers and CQ Bid Team wrist bands. Thanks to all the junior teams for participating on the day plus to the teams throughout the season.
Following the junior cluster was the first of three finals for the day commencing with the U11 match with Longreach Tigers taking on Barcaldine Sandgoannas. Both sides played hard but the Sandgoannas were outgunned by the Tigers who took home the match 22 points to nil. Player of the Final was Ethan Ballard (Longreach)
The next final to be played was the U13 match between Winton Devils and Blackall Magpies. These two teams went out hard and it was a true battle of skills with the lead changing a few times before the Devils finally got across the finishing line and beat the Magpies 36-28. Player of the Final was Mitch Fogarty (Winton).
Then for the match of the day when the seniors took to the field with the minor premiers Winton Devils taking on the Ilfracombe Scorpions. Scorpions took the fight to the devils with two quick tries in 10 mins before the Devils struck back to take a half time lead of 16-14.
It was Winton who came out after the break to score a couple of tries, but costly mistakes by Ilfracombe let the Devils romp over them before two late consulation tries as the Devils took the premiership 30-22. This was their fourth premiership in a row. Player of the Final was Joel Mann (Winton). Congratulations to Winton on their win and well done to Ilfracombe for a hard fought effort.
Thanks to Winton for hosting a great day of rugby league and to all those who helped out on the day. Thanks to Hughenden for making the trek over to participate with our juniors and we hope to be able to do this again in 2014.
Thanks also to NRL Referee Development Officer Stephen Hamilton who was on hand for the day. Apologies were received from Central Division Manager Rex Zeeman, Central Division Capricorn Region Manager Rob Crow & NRL Development Officer (Central West/central highlands) Andrew Lawrence.
This now means the season is over for 2013. CWRL wishes to thank all clubs for their participation and support throughout the year. We also thank all players, team officials, match officials, volunteers, club committees/members, our media partners and most of all our valued sponsors without your support this would not be possible.
Senior clubs will be requested to advise Butch Lenton of their intention of playing in the Extended League competition commencing within a few weeks by Monday, August 19.
CWRL are looking to host another presentation night similar to last year and when all details are known clubs will be notified. This is where all the awards for the season will be presented and to raise funds for our junior rep teams. We hope as many of our rugby league community can attend this wonderful evening.
