By Aaron Goodwin
It was the definition of even when the St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School played off against the Gayndah District School side in the semifinal of the Steve Renouf Cup.
At fulltime on 9 June, it was a 14-14 draw at Salter Oval and based on the competition’s rules, St Patrick’s were the winners as they scored the first try of the contest.
St Patrick’s now await the winner of Fraser Coast and a Gympie school this week, with the grand final to be played next school term.
St Patrick’s PE Teacher and coach Cooper Peebles said it was a nail-biting game against the Gayndah District side, made up of six schools from that region.
”We had a fair bit of rain Wednesday morning and we haven’t trained in rain yet,” Mr Peebles said.
”We scored the first try, Gayndah scored three times and it was 14-6.
”We scored another two tries and at fulltime it was a draw.
”It shows how close the game and the teams were.
”We were very lucky to come away with the win.
”That’s a testament to our team and the Gayndah District side, they were very strong.”
The Wide Bay-Burnett Steve Renouf Cup competition is a primary school rugby league competition for players up to the age of 12.
Typically most school sides are made up of a majority of grade 5 and 6 players.
St Patrick’s recently won the Felise Kaufusi Shield against other Bundaberg schools.
They defeated St Luke’s Walkervale, Branyan and Norville to win the shield.
”We are all about giving our kids the most and best opportunities we can,” Mr Peebles said.
”To be a part of school football just at the local level, is an opportunity for kids to experience playing a sport.
”Not everyone in our team plays league on the weekend.
”As a school we are stoked with our far we have come and we can’t be more thankful for the support that our school and the kids have received from parents, spectators and the organising committee for school football in Bundy.”
Mr Peebles also wanted to thank the work of the Bundaberg Primary Schools Rugby League committee.
”Jason Shears who is the convener of all things rugby league in Bundaberg, he came out and opened the field, made sure it was all ready with the post pads etc,” Mr Peebles said.
”His organisation has made our job a lot easier.
”Big thanks to the Gayndah side who travelled and their parents.
”They all came in a carpool situation, so there was six-eight parents who gave up their day.
”By the time you travel from Gayndah and out that way into Bundy, play footy, have lunch and head home, it is a whole day.
”Without their support and time both teams wouldn’t be able to play football.”
