Visitors claim crowns
Cairns clubs’ decade-long Tassell Trophy drought no closer to being over HEY REF!
CAIRNS rugby league clubs fell short of breaking a decadelong drought at the Tassell Trophy Challenge on the weekend.
The last time a Cairns team won the annual under-14s competition, which is now in its 18th year, was Kangaroos back in 2008.
On the weekend, four local clubs – Ivanhoes, Cairns Brothers, Edmonton and hosts Kangaroos – were joined by seven teams from outside the region to do battle for the trophy.
Edmonton was the best of the Cairns teams and, after they progressed from the pool stages to the semi-finals, there was hope that a Cairns team could be holding the trophy up for the first time in 10 years.
However, they were later knocked out following their 16-4 loss to Townsville-based Western Lions.
The Lions then took on Helensvale Hornets in the grand final, with the Hornets claiming the trophy in a dominant display.
Kangaroos secretary Catherine Boggian said it was rewarding to have teams travel vast distance to participate in the carnival.
“It is a great opportunity for teams to travel to Cairns and play against teams they wouldn’t normally meet during the season,” she said.
“Although there is a trophy and title, the focus is on fun and enjoyment.”
This year, a girls’ competition was also introduced, acknowledging the growing interest and participation in the game by girls and women.
Kangaroos and Townsville competed, with the Townsville girls taking out the inaugural Sandy Tassell Trophy.
“We are delighted with the interest in the female competition and are confident the female participation will continue to grow,” Boggian said.
The carnival is also used as a referees’ development camp for junior match officials throughout North Queensland, with an average age of 16 for referees officiating at the carnival.
While Cairns couldn’t lay claim to this year’s Tassell and Sandy Tassell Trophies, locals didn’t go home empty-handed.
After being named most promising referee earlier this month as part of the Cairns District Junior Rugby League awards, young whistle-blower Kieran Withers also took home the award at the Tassell Trophy Challenge.
And Olive Gibas, who has been involved at Brothers for more than 18 years, also received recognition for her tireless volunteer work. FNQ Football junior referee co-ordinator Martyn Tilley sets the challenge every Tuesday with his weekly football quiz. Today, Martyn answers common questions on how to become a referee. Q1: How old do I have to be to become a referee? Q2: Do I have to do a course? Q3: What if I do the course and decide not to referee? Q4: Do you have regular referee training? Q5: Do I get paid? Q6: How do I find out more? Got a question? Put Martyn to the test and email your questions to tilley58@hotmail.com