March 22, 2021
As the South Burnett cricket season wound up, the rugby league season kicked off with a massive day of games on Saturday at Nanango’s Fred Kassulke Oval.
Under 6s through to Under 14s played round robin games during the day before an A Grade double-header in the evening.
In the first game, the Nanango Stags defeated the Kingaroy Red Ants 40-12.
Nanango tries were scored by Patrick McCallum (2), Chad Golding, Robert Ryan, Tyren Smallwood, Andrew Hewitt and Chris Clark. Thomas Springate kicked six conversions.
Ashley Smallwood and Jack Sullivan were the try scorers for Kingaroy, and Ashley Smallwood kicked two conversions.
The second game in the double header was between the Murgon Mustangs and Cherbourg Hornets.
Murgon had more success here than in the cricket grand final earlier in the day, downing the Hornets 56-30.
Elwyn Fewquandie had a blinder for the Mustangs, scoring five tries.
Murgon’s other try scorers were Joey Alberts (2), Orlyn Fisher, Michael Giles and Jeff Vaughan. Daron Saltner kicked eight conversions.
Cherbourg’s tries came via Thomas Albury, Marcus Dynevor, Arshell Hopkins, Bronson Fogarty, Malcolm Brown and Charlie Bond. Bernard Hopkins kicked two goals and David Hopkins kicked one.
The South Burnett Rugby League intends to replicate this games format throughout the season, with all games to be played at the one venue.
There were about 400 players taking to the paddock across Saturday at Nanango, which created a great atmosphere at the ground.
The Wondai Wolves, who had the bye in Round 1, will be the host for Round 2 next Saturday.
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There are a few changes for the 2021 season, including the fact that Under 12s won’t be playing for competition points.
This change has come down from the QRL.
A Chinchilla team is also taking part again in the South Burnett competition, this time in the Under 14s.
Ken Mills Isuzu, long-time supporters of the local rugby league, have been granted naming rights for the 2021 South Burnett competition.
They were to be sponsors for 2020 before that season was wiped out by the pandemic.
Under 15s, Under 16s and Under 18s boys will be taking part in the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League season, playing as South Burnett Eagles.
This competition will begin on May 1.
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