Photo: Ray Lind (centre front) with QRL South West Under 17 (Blue) and Brisbane JRL Stingers Under 17 (Black Jerseys, White, Red V)
THE Ray Lind Shield was held at Cahill Park Sports Complex, the Gatton Hawks Rugby League home ground, on Saturday, September 28.
Supporters and team members travelled from as far as St George, Mitchell and Roma to participate and support the South West sides.
In humid and trying conditions, the big crowd helped the players to provide three games of very entertaining rugby league.
In a great day of rugby league; the first game kicked off at 12.30 between the Broncos Under 15 Development squad who played a Brisbane Junior Rugby League Stingers Under 15 Development Squad.
The Broncos came out on top in a very high standard game. In a close first half, the Broncos led 8-0 at halftime and went on to win by 26-6.
The Under 15 boys game was followed by an Under 16 girls match between the South West and Brisbane Stingers.
In hot and trying conditions, the girls from Brisbane showed the teamwork that comes with playing in a structured competition and defeated the South West Girls 38 to 16.
The South West showed that they have the talent to compete strongly and as they progress, they will develop their understanding and skills of the game. Well done girls!
The Under 17 game was played in very trying conditions, with the long break between grand finals played in the South West and lack of match practice taking its toll on the South West players.
The superior fitness of the Stingers team started to show in the second half, with the team running away with the game to win by 40-12.
In a close first half, both teams played a highly entertaining brand of football, but with a few untimely injuries for the South West; the play went the Stingers way and they took their opportunity with both hands.
The South West never gave up and should be commended for their efforts and the result after only having their first run on the Friday night before the game.
All credit to the Stingers with their fitness levels really showing and in the end they ran out convincing winners.
Ray Lind, a life member of the Brisbane JRL since 2005 was the guest of honour on the day and presented the trophy to the Brisbane Stingers Under 17 winning captain.
A big thankyou to the Gatton Junior Rugby League for hosting the event, their Chairman Troy Huggins and his crew of hard working volunteers.
The team from NRL Game Development in the South West also provided great assistance in organising officials, coordinating teams and helping behind the scenes.
The match officials were delighted to have the opportunity to officiate at a high level and to develop their skills.
There were several comments made regarding the high standard of skills displayed by all teams involved on the day and what a great opportunity it was to be able to officiate at this level!
Ray Lind Shield 2013 results:
Game 1: Broncos Under 15 Development Squad v Stingers Under 15 Development Squad
Broncos U15 Development Squad 26 (Noema 2, Hart 2, Geraghty, Tatipata tries) defeated Stingers U15 Development Squad 6 (Manning try, Pirihi goal)
(Referee D Grungo, Touch Judges A Schwerin and B Rushton)
Game 2: South West Under 16 Girls v Brisbane Stingers Under 16 Girls
Brisbane Stingers U16 Girls 38 (Barker 3, Connors, Pilley, Pa-Smith, Dalby tries; Connors 5 goals) defeated South West U16 Girls 16 (Law 2 Cooper, tries; Grant, Cooper Goals)
(Referee H Willmett, Touch Judges A Schwerin, B Rushton)
Game 3: QRL South West Under 17 V Brisbane JRL Stingers Under 17 (Ray Lind Shield)
Brisbane Stingers Under 17 40 (Colless 2, Rogers, Rudolph, Gamble, Sandow, Munroe, Manuho tries; Gamble 2, Rogers, Sandow goals) defeated South West U17 12 (Adomsen, Hooper tries; Mackenzie 2 goals)
(Referee D Ryan, Touch Judges D Grungo, H Willmett)
All games held on Saturday, September 28 at Cahill Park Sports Complex, Gatton
