It was an enthusiastic start for the season by the Nogoa Red Claws, Nogoa Black Claws and the Rolleston Joeys in the first Central Highlands junior rugby union club competition launched over the weekend.
The new competition welcomed boys and girls in under 10s and under 12 teams to Morton Park, Emerald on Sunday afternoon for a celebration of rugby, fun and friendship.
The opening game was played between the Nogoa Red Claws and the Rolleston Joeys U-10s.
Red Claws coach Doug Sands said that given this was the first game of rugby for many of the kids on the field, it was a fantastic effort from both sides.
"The structure and effort in defence and attack was excellent."
Good sportsmanship was a feature of the U-12s contest between the Black Claws and Rolleston.
"The kids enjoyed a terrific game", Emerald U-12s coach Stu Brotherton said.
"Kids who were unsure about playing rugby game came off wanting to play again. We had four more kids sign up with a total of 25 now registered to play for the Black Claws, and an additional seven signed up for the Joeys on the day also", he said.
Both games were given a warm welcome by a large and enthusiastic audience travelling from across the Highlands.
New players are welcome. The Under 10s train at Morton Park, Dundas St, Emerald from 4pm Tuesdays and the Under 12s train from 3.45pm Wednesdays.
For more information check out the Nogoa Red Claws facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Nogoa-Red-Claws-1508972996090454/
U10 results:
Nogoa Red Claws (coaches Doug Sands and Chris McCullagh) Tries scored by Kane Connolly (2), Ed McCullagh (3), Sid McCullagh, Ethan Yates.
Rolleston Joeys (coaches Baden Crittle and Rowan Burrows) Try scored by Cooper McKillop.
U12 results:
Nogoa Black Claws (coaches Stu Brotherton and Jason Kachel) Tries scored by Fletcher Sands (2), Harvey Kachel, Jeremy Brotherton and Carter Westerberg; conversion by Darcy Walters.
Rolleston Joeys (coaches Kurt Mayne and Joe McKillop) Tries scored by Mitchell Donovan and Carter Westerberg.
