It was a case of the good, the bad and the ugly on the footy fields across the Highlands as the regular season recommenced for the Central Highlands junior rugby league following the school holidays. Well not much bad…and not really any ugly either!! It’s all good…
Across in Blackwater, Crushers secretary Megan Rauchle said the Under 16s game against Middlemount, despite being a high scoring game, was the game of the day. “It was very tight.” Even though the Blackwater team were defeated, Rauchle was impressed with the way the players have begun gelling as a team. She also made mention of Liam Daley, playing his first game of Rugby League, who tackled strong and made plenty of good offloads.
“No one would have known it was his first game ever.” Rauchle also spoke of the sportsmanship shown by both teams. “One of our players was injured and needed an ambulance. Both teams stayed on the field, and clapped him off even though it took quite some time. That was special.”
In other games, the Under 12s played an 8 all draw against Middlemount. “Riley Jenkins played a big part with strong hit ups. He did not stop all day.” Leah Reid, Blackwater’s only female player scored her first try of the season in her first game back after breaking her leg. The Under 6s and Under 7s also played with great enthusiasm according to Rauchle.
In Clermont, the Bears played the Dysart bulls and Under 10 player Max Sellwood was outstanding, said club spokesperson Dana Keene. “He scored quite a few tries and was strong in defence.” However what stood out most was his communicating on the field. “You could see him talking, and listening to his team mates. It was great to see.”
Coach for the Emerald Brothers Blue Under 14s, Steve Pyle said although his team was competitive, their defensive effort was disappointing. “I think they were expecting an easy game against the Tigers.” However, he conceded that the loss might be the spark they need to prepare for the last four rounds before the finals series starts.
Springsure hosted Peak Downs and the club was justifiably on a huge high following the achievements of the Under 10s who competed at the Gordon Tallis Cup in Townsville. After winning Pool 7, and winning the quarter finals, they then faced eventual winners West Brisbane Panthers, and were relegated to third spot, a mighty achievement by a small club from the Highlands.
Back to reality however, and in their game against the Peak Downs Pirates the Under 10s never missed a beat, achieving their goal of keeping the opposition scoreless. Hagan Gale was a stand out player at pivot, leading the team exceptionally well according to coach Mark Baker.
The Under 12s also kept their opposition scoreless in their comprehensive win against the Pirates. Coach Warren Sullivan was impressed with the solid team effort. “They defended well on the line.” The stand out players were Jackson Taylor who scored a massive six tries and Joe Fletcher in defence who made a try saving tackle.
The Springsure Under 11s also competed in the Laurie Spina shield over the holidays. Club spokesperson, Vicki Gale said the highlight for some was not the competition, and not the game on Saturday night when the Cowboys defeated the Rabbitohs, nor was it the fact that they won three from six of their games. The highlight was running into Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis on Sunday morning at the Coffee Club. What a treat for JT and GI that would have been…
