Denison Park was the venue and it delivered a carnival-like atmosphere for the fourth annual Bowen Summer 10s.
Eight teams from Bowen and surrounds nominated to participate in the annual competition and what a competition it was. A large appreciative crowd was enthralled with the entertaining football, and silently hoped that this year could be the year for the prestigious shield to be held high by a team full of Bowen talent. Alas, it was not to be.
With the Burdekin Old Boys defending the title which they have held since its inception in 2012, it was the Burdekin Buffalo Riders who were the eventual winners in 2015.
President of the Burdekin Roosters, John Davenport said:
“They played the Old Boys for the title in 2014, so it was no surprise to see them in the Grand Final this year.”
"The Buffalo Riders team was made of players mainly from the Burdekin, with a few Bowen players who play for the Burdekin Roosters in the Townsville competition.
Davenport applauded the organisers.
“It’s a great idea, and is a fun day raising funds for cancer research and local charities. It was a good day,” he said.
Bowen Blue Nurses will be the major charity to benefit from funds raised in 2015.
Much to the delight of the local crowd, it was the Bowen Bus Boys who halted the challenge of the Old Boys in the first semi, and then gave it to the Buffalo Riders in the Grand Final. Coach of the Bus Boys, Brent Stocker was impressed with the day.
“Everything ran smoothly, everyone had a good time and most importantly, all the games were played in good spirit.”
Stocker was pleased with his team, and nominated forward Sio Attito, five eight Lona Kofito and winner of the Dash for Cash, winger Kieran Knox as stand out players for the Bus Boys. “It was a good hit out for the boys prior to the start of the season.”
It was a low scoring affair in the final, with the Buffalo Riders the only team to bother the try line, once in the first half through Dylan Pasquale and once in the second half through winger, Zach Heron.
The final score 8–0 to the Buffalo Riders. Davenport was reluctant to single out any players adding, “All the boys stood up and played well.”
Reaping the benefits of the Burdekin Buffalos efforts are the Kevin Muspratt Foundation and the Keeley Johnson Foundation.
The Buffalo Riders donated $250 to each of these charities raising funds to support cancer patients. Davenport said, “Kevin was a long time supporter of the Burdekin Rugby League, and Keeley is currently being treated, so it was great to see the boys supporting these charities.”
As game day announcer, DJ, disciplinary tribunal chief and general go-to person, local league legend Mike Brunker had his work cut out for him on the day, but the day’s events flowed smoothly and on time, a credit to him and the cooperation of team managers, and players.
As the last of the players shuffled from the dressing sheds, as the goal post covers were stored away and the last of the canteen benches was wiped down, it was time to crack open a stubby and reflect on the success that was the 2015 Bowen Summer 10s.
Stocker summed it up perfectly: “Everyone wants to see senior rugby league back in Bowen.”
Results:
Game 1 Wolf Pack defeated Stingers 14 – 4
Game 2 Buffalos defeated Old Boys 16 – 4
Game 3 Bus Boys defeated Bucks 20 – 8
Game 4 Tigers defeated Vikings 16 – 4
Game 5 Bucks defeated Wolfpack 14 – 4
Game 6 Old Boys defeated Tigers 28 – 6
Game 7 Bus Boys defeated Stingers 26 – 10
Game 8 Buffalos defeated Vikings 42 – 0
Game 9 Bus Boys defeated Wolf Pack 18 – 4
Game 10 Old Boys defeated Vikings 22 – 0
Game 11 Stingers drew with the Bucks 10 – 10
Game 12 Buffalos defeated Tigers 32 – 4
Semi Final 1 Bus Boys defeated Old Boys 16 – 8
Semi Final 2 Buffalos defeated Bucks 16 – 8
Grand Final Buffalos defeated Bus Boys 8 – 0
Game Points
Pool A
Bus Boys 14
Bucks 8.5
Wolf Pack 4
Stingers 3.5
Pool B
Buffalos 15
Old Boys 10
Tigers 5
Vikings 0
