August 20, 2015
The Kingaroy Red Ants U15/16s team had the opportunity of a lifetime at the weekend, playing as the curtainraiser for the Easts v Souths Logan InTrust Super Cup game played at Blackall.
The boys came away with a win in a tough game against Central West Queensland.
“The trip was also to show a bit of support for the people of the Central and North West who are doing it really tough at the moment because of the drought,” team manager Allen Christensen said.
“The South Burnett rugby league clubs held a drought relief round a few weeks back and raised $1000 to help our outback friends.”
“It was a huge effort for the boys who travelled out, stopping off at Mitchell Magpies’ home ground on the Friday night having a training run and an opposed session against the Mitchell U18 side that went on the win their prelim final against St George on Sunday.
“Thanks to the Mitchell Football club for letting us swag it in their clubhouse on Friday night.
“Saturday saw another five hours travel up to Blackall to play the Central West side at 1:45pm.
“It was an excellent game with the lead changing several times, Kingaroy running out 28-24 winners with a try in the dying minutes.
“Many spectators commented on the high standard of the game and how well each team played, tough but in good spirits.
“It was a great experience for our boys and gave the Central West team a home game that they very rarely get, against a team that plays most weeks.
“It was a long hall Sunday to get home – 10 hours straight with only a couple of stops – but it shows that the even kids will go out of their way to play footy and help out our fellow country folk.
“I was exceptionally proud of the boys. We even had two guys who were injured in the last couple of weeks travel out to support the team and “boys from the bush”.
“Footy is so much more than just a game and we endeavour to instill the importance of respect, team work, hard work and thanks into the boys.
“A big thanks to Peter Rafter (the QRL Operation Manager – Outback) and South Burnett president Greg Pomfret for making this trip possible.
“Greg not only arranged funding for the trip but drove the bus the entire way!
“Also ‘Chick’ and Ben Rubesaame who drove their own car towing a trailer for the swags out and back. Chick ( Leanne) is a life member of our club and a great example of the work our parents will do for the their boys and our clubs.”
The team arrived home on Sunday evening after travelling more than 1700km, thoroughly exhausted.
