Sport
6 July, 2022
Junior Rugby League Zone 5 carnival
The first week of the July school holidays saw the start of the 52nd annual Zone 5 Under 35kg/Under10 carnival hosted by Miles Devils and Western Downs.
The carnival saw nine teams compete from various regions of Queensland with our local boys representing Central Downs.
These boys were from Clifton, Allora, Warwick, Killarney and all areas in between as well as players from the MacIntyre, Western Downs, Roma, Wynnum, Charleville, Balonne Barwon and Cunnamulla districts.
The Ray Bunch Machinery Central Downs boys were coached by Ian Brady, Roy Nott and Matthew Briggs and we are pleased to report on the success of the team which finished the carnival in second place and received the Kev Dolan Runners-up shield.
The carnival winner was the undefeated South Burnett Eagles team.
This year we started the carnival in grand style, winning a number of athletics events including a few legs of the 100m sprints, the tunnel ball for an unprecedented 8th year in a row and the Tug-O-War
Our major award winners were Noah Locke (Best Forward) Jess Samin (Best Back) and Toby Osborne (Most Improved).
We had four players who represented the East team in the Jack Dempsey Challenge, which is one of the highlights of the carnival.
These players were Mervyn Briggs, Noah Locke, Jess Samin and Aidon Worth.
Central Downs player Jackson McMillan was awarded the coveted JD Sporting Photography Sportsmanship award.
Over the week of the carnival Jackson showed tremendous on and off field ability and respect for his fellow players.
Mervyn Briggs, our team captain was awarded the prestigious Player of the Carnival award, his defensive technique and attacking skills noticed by everyone.
Mervyn, who is from Pittsworth, has a bright future in Rugby League.
Next year the carnival will be hosted by Wynnum, where a Life Member reunion will be held for the Zone.
Central Downs life members include Jack and Shelley Duggan, Bob Shannon, Neil Wilson and Ian Brady.
We also congratulate the Under 43kg team on the success they have had so far at this week’s carnival in Cunnamulla .
This team are strong across the field, coach Peter Cavanagh has described them as easily one of his best teams he has taken to a carnival.
Results can be found on the Central Downs Facebook page.
- Ian Brady
