September 13, 2024
Two points and four minutes … that’s all that was in it for the South Burnett Eagles Under 17s in their Rugby League Grand Final bid against hometown favourites Toowoomba Valleys last Saturday night.
The Eagles squad, which has made the Grand Final three years in a row, were considered the underdogs going into the clash against the Minor Premiers Valleys.
The South Burnett side had enjoyed a narrow two-point win over Valleys in August at Cherbourg, but Valleys were always going to be stronger playing before a home crowd at Toowoomba Sportsground.
The Eagles were ahead 12-6 at half-time but Valleys quickly evened the score with a converted try after the break.
Two more tries allowed the Eagles to draw ahead, and with six minutes to go, South Burnett led 22-18.
But Valleys crossed two minutes later, and the conversion was successful, giving the home team the narrowest of victories, 24-22.
South Burnett Rugby League president Greg Pomfret congratulated the team on their effort.
“You did the Burnett proud, men, fantastic effort,” he wrote on the SBRL’s Facebook page,
South Burnett try scorers were Rowan Gordon, Charlie Sippel, Tito Bligh, Sebastian King and Shamus Cobbo. Jack Webber kicked one conversion.
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Under 16s South Burnett Eagles players will have their chance of Grand Final glory when they play Waves Tigers on Saturday in Bundaberg.
They earned the spot in the Grand Final after downing Western Suburbs Panthers at the last moment in a tight Preliminary Final 38-36 last Saturday in Bundaberg.
Try scorers were Will Webber (3), Montrehl Tewes-Smallwood (3) and James Searle. Lawson Braithwaite (2) and Zachary Harris (3) kicked the goals.
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South Burnett’s own Bridie Prendergast and Warwick’s Chris Henderson have tied for the title of Toowoomba Rugby League’s “Referee Of The Year”.
They were presented with their trophies during a small ceremony at Clifford Park Racecourse.
The award was voted on by the clubs involved in the TRL competitions and the Toowoomba Rugby League Referees Association.
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After defeating Pittsworth 16-10 in their U15s Girls Preliminary Final on August 31, Toowoomba Brothers – which includes several South Burnett players – faced Valleys in the Grand Final in Toowoomba last Saturday.
Unfortunately, the undefeated Valleys proved too strong at Toowoomba Showgrounds, with a 26-0 win.
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Murgon Mustangs and Kingaroy Red Ants juniors are competing this weekend at the Mulga Cup Under 11s carnival at Charleville Showgrounds.
The U11s will be playing teams from across Queensland, including Charleville, Longreach, Caboolture and Miles.
