Carnival a big win for the community
“IT’S bigger than footy, it’s about the community.” His Mackay Stallions team may have gone down in the Queensland Murri Carnival final in Townsville yesterday, but Jayden Hodges hopes it won’t be the last time the event heads north.
After several years in southeast Queensland, the Bindal Sharks All Blacks Carnival was a huge success with more than 50 teams in under- 12, under- 15, women and men’s divisions taking part.
The Wenlock River Stallions proved too strong in yesterday’s decider 26- 6, absorbing early pressure from Mackay before running away with the result in the second half.
Mackay had a number of chances early but Wenlock River’s on- line defence held them at bay.
They were rewarded with two tries in the first half of the 60- minute clash to take an 8- 0 lead at the break.
Mackay scored first in the second half to bridge the gap to 8- 6, but three quick tries to Wenlock River put the result beyond doubt.
“It means a lot. On the first day we got hammered and we only scraped in ( to the finals). To do this is a miracle,” said Wenlock River captain Maipele Morseu.
“We have boys from all around Queensland and all the way down to New South Wales. All of us came together and did it.
“We didn’t make it easy on ourselves ( early) defending repeat sets, but we turned up. That laid the platform for us to win the final.
Mackay simply had no gas left after a torrid semi final where they came from behind to beat North Coast Dolphins 22- 18 in golden point.
“Those couple of quick tries really blew the wind out of our sails. After six games in a few days it’s almost impossible physically to come back from that,” Hodges said.
“It’s bigger than footy, it’s about the community. For some of these people it’s the only time of the year they get to meet up.
“It’s a good excuse to come together and footy does that, it’s a great initiative. It’s great they’ve brought it to North Queensland.
“I can’t see why we can bring it to Mackay, halfway in between Cairns and Brisbane. Hopefully that’s something to look forward to.”
The Rockhampton- based Emu girls won a high quality women’s final 18- 8 over Flora Sandlands Memorial.
“It was pretty tough and really physical,” said Emus captain Tashina Ketchup. “We were mentally and physically strong.
“Women’s league is growing massively and I know a lot of these girls will try for the Jillaroos squad.”