March 10, 2016
Generous local sponsorship has helped the South Burnett Rugby League enter two U18s teams in the 2016 Toowoomba competition.
This competition will offer the Burnett’s young players the weekly challenge of honing their skills against some of the best players in southern Queensland.
South Burnett White is made up of players from Nanango, Kingaroy and Wondai clubs; while South Burnett Blue consists of Murgon, Cherbourg and Central Burnett footballers.
Round 1 of the competition kicks off on Saturday at 1:00pm at Cherbourg when White faces Blue in a local derby.
On Wednesday, South Burnett White enjoyed a major boost from their principal team sponsor, Conpak Eartmoving. Aaron and Krysty Connelly presented coach Mal Clark with a cheque for $5000.
Jersey sponsors for SB White are Ollies Mower Service; owners Jacqui and Brett Irwin have given $1200 to the team.
Other sponsors include Seilers Livestock Transport, The Com Pub Bistro and Norco Rural.
SB White team manager Allen Christensen said without the assistance of sponsors, the teams could not play. He estimated that the cost to run the two u18s teams this year would be at least $25,000.
South Burnett Blue sponsors include Bryan Zelinski Engineering, Carneys Feed Store and Selwood Constructions.
- Related article: Rugby League Draw: Under 18s
* * *
(Photo: Allen Christensen)
by Allen Christensen
The Conpak Earthmoving South Burnett White U18 Eagles started their 2016 campaign in style with a hard-fought 26-20 win at Caloundra against the Caloundra Sharks in a pre-season game at the weekend.
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 a forerunner to the South Burnett Rugby League’s entry into the Toowoomba U18 competition, with two teams clashing in the first round on Saturday at Cherbourg.
The Caloundra game was played in hot and humid conditions but the football was even hotter with tries traded up to half-time when the scores were locked at 14-all.
The South Burnett boys came out fast in the second half, scoring two converted tries 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 three 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.
Mitch Case looked 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 White v Blue local derby at Cherbourg on Saturday.
* * *
The South Burnett Blues have announced their squad for their game on Saturday at Cherbourg:
1. Dylan Wilson
2. Brendon Stanley
3. Tareek Hopkins
4. Kacey Lynas
5. Rodney Byers
6. Errol Simpson
7. William Langton
8. Kahdeem Murray
9. Sebastian Fisher
10. Byron Begeda
11. Barry Tapau-Fewquandie
12. Peter Langton
13. Ralph Gyemore
14. Christian Law
15. Karl Berlin
16. Jachai Purcell
17. Kane Brunjes
18. Steven Watcho
