TEAMS from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast converged at the Banyo Junior Rugby League Club last weekend for a girls junior representative carnival.
Playing for the Ali Brigginshaw Cup (Under 15) and the Karyn Murphy Cup (Under 18) the eight teams of talented and enthusiastic girls showed off their skills.
It was only fitting the girls were competing for the trophies named in honour of Queenslands successful Jillaroos players as they were playing their way to World Cup glory in the United Kingdom.
The spirit showed by all girls who participated was outstanding and after seeing a number of conversions kicked from the sideline, along with some chip and chase play; the girls displayed talent that would impress NRL coaches.
The carnival came about as a result of local leagues providing Under 15 and Under 18 competitions for girls across the South East and Central Queensland and the girls wanting to represent their local areas divisional carnivals like the junior boys.
Player of the Tournament from the Under 15 age group was Ipswich Diggers player Shannon Mato; while Sarah Downey from Brisbane was the Under 18 Player of the Tournament.
The Gold Coast Vikings were deserved winners in the Under 18 division; however the Under 15 division was a much closer affair with three teams finishing on equal points at the end of the round.
The Gold Coast girls again came out of top in the end after points for and against were taken into consideration. The full final placings are listed below:
Ali Brigginshaw Cup (Under 15):
1. Gold Coast Vikings
2. Ipswich Diggers
3. Brisbane Stingers
4. Sunshine Coast Falcons
Karyn Murphy Cup (Under 18):
1. Gold Coast Vikings
2. Brisbane Stingers
3. Sunshine Coast Falcons
4. Norths Ipswich
You can follow Womens and Girls rugby league news at the Play Rugby League website under Get Involved: http://www.playrugbyleague.com/
