The Conpak Earthmoving South Burnett White Under 18 Eagles started their 2016 inaugural campaign in style with a hard fought 26-20 win at Caloundra against the Under 18 Caloundra Sharks.
What the local boys gave up in size to the huge coast boys they made up with heart and never took a backward step in a torrid first up encounter.
The trial game was used as an introduction to the South Burnett Rugby League's admission into the Toowoomba Rugby Leagues Under 18 competition, with the Burnett teams clashing in the first round next Saturday, March 12, at Cherbourg.
The Conpak Earthmoving South Burnett White Under 18 side comprises of players from Nanango, Kingaroy and Wondai while the South Burnett Blue Side includes players from Cherbourg Murgon and Central Burnett.
The Caloundra game was played in hot humid conditions but the football was even hotter with tries traded up to half time with the scores locked at 14-14.
The South Burnett boys came out fast and scored two converted tries in the second stanza to open up a 12-point buffer however the Sharks kept the pressure on scoring out wide and converting to make it 26-20.
A furious 10 minutes followed with some solid defence and big runs - ensuring the home crowd got into the game.
The South Burnett White boys dug deep and with no reserves finished off with a great display of courage and teamwork.
Whilst the team was good across the park Isaiah Gray had a standout game scoring 3 tries, and was ably supported by Shorty Munt and Mitch Case.
The halves pairing of Kirby Rubesaame and Adam Geiger were in everything and the backline looked dangerous whenever they had space with Mitch Case looking dangerous every time he touched the ball, and could have laid on a couple more tries had it not been for some last pass mistakes.
The South Burnett team sustained a few injuries and will need all their players to be available for the Local White vs Blue derby being held Cherbourg next Saturday.
This game will be the first time North vs South or White vs Blue has been played and will no doubt be the start of many future clashes guaranteed to be hard fought and provide a great showcase of the Under 18 talent in the Burnett region.
This opportunity has allowed our Under 18s an avenue to continue to play age appropriate football within the Burnett and entices them to remain within our district.
