July 26, 2024
There were proud parents, coaches, colourful gazebos, spectators dodging footballs on the sidelines … and lots and lots of very happy youngsters running about.
The Wondai Mini Mods rugby league carnival is organised chaos, with short games for Under 6s through to Under 12s starting every 20 minutes on the Wondai Sportsground and adjacent soccer fields.
All South Burnett clubs fielded teams last Saturday, competing against visiting clubs from across the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gympie and even further afield.
Two late scratchings in Under 10s and Under 12s reduced the number of games slightly but there were still more than 200 games played across nine fields.
In the distant past, Mini Mods always culminated in an U12s Grand Final, but this grade joined all the younger age groups as non-competitive several years ago.
Nowadays, all the players are just having fun – and improving their skills – however coaches are charged with picking a “Spirit of the Carnival” medallion winner from each team when all games in an age group are completed.
These presentations were made in front of the main grandstand to much applause from spectators.
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The local South Burnett competition returns this weekend for the second last round ahead of the semi-finals.
Junior and senior games have been scheduled at Murgon Sportsground.
Unfortunately, Murgon’s planned Over 35s match for Saturday has been cancelled due to a lack of players, and the draw published online has been beset by a number of forfeits.
There is no Under 14s or Under 17s games on Saturday and only one A Grade game (see below).
Friday night’s Under 14s games have not been affected.
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Gallery
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Other Results
- Under 16s – South Burnett Eagles def. Western Suburbs Panthers 44-6 at Bundaberg
South Burnett tries were scored by James Searle (3), Rainer Heard (2), Jacob Rattey (2), Will Webber and Ryan Wallace. Goal kickers included Lawson Braithwaite (3).
- Under 17s – South Burnett Eagles def. Gatton Eagles 24-4 at Gatton
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This Weekend’s Games
FRIDAY
At Murgon
- 5:30pm – Under 14s – Cherbourg v Kingaroy
- 6:30pm – Under 14s – Murgon v Nanango
SATURDAY
At Murgon
- Under 6s to Under 12s from 8:40am
- 1:30pm – A Grade – Murgon v Nanango
At Bundaberg
- Under 15s – South Burnett Eagles v Easts Magpies
- Under 16s – South Burnett Eagles v Across The Waves
