Cape league youngsters sparkle

Friday, June 20, 2008

PORMPURAAW'S pioneering rugby league players head home today having blazed a trail for other Cape York schools and students.

The Pormpuraaw State School youngsters took part in ARL Development Cup under-12 finals on Wednesday afternoon, competing against sides from White Rock, St Joseph’s and Mossman in their first time in the competition.

See more pictures in our junior rugby league photo gallery.

For the 20 Pormpuraaw youngsters, competing was a whole-of-community effort.

Support from their school and sponsors helped the students make the trip – the first outside the community for many players.

Cape PCYC small grants officer Sarah Addo said ability on the football field was not the only criteria for participation.

"They have to do well at school as well," said Addo, whose organisation sponsored the school’s trip.

Pormpuraaw learnt plenty on its trip south, extending its tour with a match against Bentley Park College yesterday afternoon.

Addo said the youngsters could return as more complete players in the future, with plans to start a four-team junior competition in the community next month.

<strong>Don’t argue!: </strong>Pormpuraaw's Devaine Shortjoe pushes away from the Bentley Park defence yesterday.

Don’t argue!: Pormpuraaw's Devaine Shortjoe pushes away from the Bentley Park defence yesterday.

<strong>On the ball: </strong>Pint-sized Peninsula centre Cerys Whittle searches for a way past a taller opponent during the championships.

Bragging rights in derby win

PENINSULA put the fun aside to secure a rewarding win over North West in its final match at the Queensland Primary School Netball Championships in Cairns yesterday. more

Cairns under-13 player Sam Brown musters all his strength to bust through a Mt Isa tackler.

Cairns boys in top touch

CAIRNS has dominated the North Queensland junior rugby league championships. more

Queensland call-ups: Mitchell Koch (left) likes the contest, Tom Michael likes the mateship and both earned places in the Queensland under-12 AFL team.

Talents tackle state spots

THERE would have been a few opposition players dodging Peninsula footballer Mitchell Koch at the Queensland Primary Schools Australian Rules Championships in Brisbane.
more

Blocked: Peninsula’s Lauren Hanlon frustrates a Darling Downs attacker.

Heads high despite loss

PENINSULA girls have been taught a netball lesson from some of the best in the business during a tough day at the Queensland Primary School Netball Championships in Cairns yesterday. more

The Cairns Lions are unbeatable yet again in the under-14 Country Championships.

Junior Lions claw fourth title

THE Cairns Lions have gone through the AFL Queensland under-14 Country Championships in Rockhampton undefeated to win their fourth title in as many years. more

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