April 7, 2023
They may not have come out on top on the scoreboard, but the Blackbutt Yarraman Junior Rugby League Club were the real winners at last Saturday’s “friendly” with the Nanango Stags.
The local derby, played at Ian “Bunny” Pearce Oval in Blackbutt, attracted some of the region’s top players as well as blasts from the past.
A good crowd turned out to see the clash.
Local councillor Deputy Mayor Gavin Jones called the game, and wasn’t backward in supporting his local team.
Despite this, Nanango opened the scoring, with two quick tries before Jackson Mladenovic put the first points on the scoreboard for the Timbertowners.
At the final siren, Nanango were ahead 34-24.
The $300 Man of the Match prize, donated by Blackbutt Plumbing Solutions, went to Blackbutt Yarraman JRL president Rowan Winterfield, who plays for the Ipswich Jets in the QRL competition.
Cr Jones said a special thank you should also go to referee Andrew Dascombe and the two touchies who donated their services for the game.
He estimated more than $10,000 was raised on the day – including $8000+ at the auction – to support the Timbertowners’ junior teams which will be competing in the upcoming South Burnett Rugby League competition.
Round 1 of the SBRL will kick off with all grades at T.J. O’Neill Oval in Kingaroy on April 22.
Unfortunately, Blackbutt will again not be fielding a senior team. The A Grade competition will feature teams from Cherbourg, Murgon, Wondai, Kingaroy and Nanango.
Fantastic effort by all involved, Congratulations, as friendship and footy were a definite winner on the day. Plus a good day for fund raising to help boost the clubs bottom line 👍 well done to the Timber Towners and the Stags.