Despite the 2014 State of Origin results, the future of rugby league in Queensland is safe as demonstrated by the efforts of these junior footballers in round 10 of the Central Highlands Junior Rugby League competition.
The Emerald Brothers' Cooper Burdett in the Under 10s showed great composure and creativity as he directed his team mates around the paddock in their round 10 clash against Middlemount.
Brothers’ spokesperson, Steve Pyle said the little halfback even backed himself and took on the defensive line resulting in a try to his team.
Lachlan Verzeletti in the front row also played well making some good strong runs. Pyle also made mention of the Under 12s game. “Several key players were absent due to representative games, and it was great to see others step up and fill the positions.”
Deserving of mention were Trey Mitchell and Adam Twaddle both playing in the second row who tackled and ran well for the Brothers Blue team. Hayden Lloyd impressed also playing in the unfamiliar role of half back. “Normally Hayden plays at full back but scored two tries on his own at half back with a show and go. The whole team worked together constructing good tries, and defending well.”
In Clermont, President Wendy Johnstone had two names circled for special mention following their round 10 home game against the Emerald Tigers. In the under 12s, Eeathan Francis was outstanding. “Eeathan was involved in all the plays. He tackled hard and really stood up to the challenge.”
Johnstone said several people asked during the day who was wearing the number 6 jersey for the Under 12s. “He was awesome.” In the Under 16s, David Boyes was the stand out player. “Oh My God…he was amazing.” Johnstone said Boyes was involved in everything, but his goal kicking was especially outstanding. “He was converting them from everywhere, and kicked quite a few from the sideline.”
The Gemfield Giants took on the Springsure Mountainmen on a Sunday, something different for the junior players. President Dale Bryce asked spectators which game they thought was the pick of the day, and the Under 12s game was the winning selection.
“Even though our boys were beaten convincingly, the score did not reflect the quality of the game.” Brandon Cavanagh and Travis Oats were the star players for the Gemmies team. “Defensively they were good, and continually ran straight all game.” Bryce also made mention of the efforts of the canteen workers this weekend.
“The games were played on Sunday due to the Alpha Races, and our volunteer canteen workers also had the markets on Sunday morning. So they worked from early in the morning at the markets, then at footy from 11am. It was a great effort.”
The Central Highlands Junior Rugby League Association now breaks for the school holidays, with regular fixtures not scheduled to recommence until July 19. In the meantime, teams across the Highlands are preparing for the Laurie Spina and Gordon Tallis carnivals and there are some Central Highlands players preparing for the State Trials to be held in Cairns.
