Sport
29 February, 2024
Junior Warriors taste success in Vowles Cup
Far South West Queensland came to life on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd February, with the much-anticipated junior rugby league Adrian Vowles Cup under way at the Charleville Showgrounds.
The Carnival is named after Cunnamulla born local legend and 1994 Maroons State of Origin representative Adrian Vowles.
The gritty utility back played 269 first grade games in Australia and England from 1993 to 2003, wearing the colours of the Gold Coast Seagulls, North Queensland Cowboys, Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats along the way, and later coached the Queensland league women’s side.
Participating clubs last weekend travelled from across Queensland for the 11th edition of the carnival, including the local Wattles Warriors Junior Rugby League Club Under 14 team.
The Glen McMillan coached Wattles line-up was among the pacesetters over the two days, finishing undefeated to secure third placing in the talent rich Under 14 competition.
In very warm conditions on Friday Wattles beat the Western Ringers 12-0, and later in the day overwhelmed Central West 20-0.
The Warriors’ day was completed undefeated when they finished ahead of City-Country Mt Isa 16-4 on Friday evening.
In a contest that proved telling, Wattles played out an 8-all draw against the Chinchilla Bulldogs on a damp Saturday morning.
In their final Carnival match, the lads in green and gold proved too strong for the Carnarvon Cubs winning 12-4.
Classy hooker Jack Burton capped off an outstanding two days when named as Wattles’ Player of the Carnival.
Along with team mates Ty Betts and Ryan Donadel, Jack was named in the Adrian Vowles Cup Under 14 Dream Team at the event presentation ceremony.
Coach McMillan was very proud of the boys for the way they carried themselves over the weekend.
He rated his team and their performances very highly.
“They all played well across the Carnival, with one lapse being the draw against Chinchilla costing us a grand final berth,” he said.
McMillan thanked all the parents involved for making the journey and contributing to the successful and enjoyable camp.
The coach also recognised the efforts of players Jaylan Fuller and Ryan Donadel for joining the Wattles line-up for the carnival on loan from the Tenterfield Tigers.
Wattles club President Aaron Gilmore considers the event a tremendous opportunity for all involved.
“I’m sure it will be a special life memory for all the young players,” he said.
Its short history shows the Adrian Vowles Cup had
a rocky start, with only three teams in the first Carnival in 2014, but the appetite grew as clubs made
repeat appearances and spread the word about the rare experience offered by outback rugby league.
Pre-Season Kick Off
Wattles Juniors 2024 pre-season kicks off this Saturday when they head to Pittsworth to play trials against the junior Danes from 8.30am at Club Pittsworth.
Age groups running on include Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14/15 with the Under 17 game at 3.30 pm.
- Glyn Rees
