Large crowds and supporters turned up for the Cape Peninsula Rugby League grand final on Saturday night at Weipa Andoom Oval for the men's grand final between Lockhart River Scorpions and West Coast Brumbies.
The day started with Central Cape Sun's Junior Rugby League Under 11's playing a curtain raiser before the main game, showcasing the junior talent that competed in the Laurie Spina Shield several weeks ago in Townsville.
With both men's teams aiming at taking the trophy back to their communities; there was plenty to play for and the players didn't disappoint - with fast flowing football and some heavy contact in the middle.
Lockhart River Scorpions went into the half time break leading 20-6, leaving the Brumbies with plenty of work to do.
The halftime break saw participants compete in the 100 metre sprint with junior boys and girls, and open men and women entertaining the huge crowd.
After the break, West Coast Brumbies were back into the game with Eli Tabuai and Ryan Madua leading the way, closing the gap with 10 minutes to go before fulltime with the game set to go down to the wire.
Lockhart River responded well in the last 10 minutes, kicking to the corners and applying pressure in defence with costly handling errors from West Coast and a further three tries to seal the victory for the Scorpions.
Lockhart River coach and mayor Wayne Butcher was ecstatic with the win.
"The boys come together really well after a shaky start to the season and well deserved the title in 2018 with commitment at training and bonding as a playing group," he said.
QRL Northern Division Assistant Manager Robbie Moore applauded the community's teams and players, along with Cape Peninsula Rugby League Committee who took charge of the competition this year with refereeing, sports trainers and scoring.
"It was just a fantastic day for everyone involved, the leaders in these communities are the driving force getting people all working together and getting them active through rugby league," Moore said.
"President Karl Adams and his committee have done a fantastic job and the teams have all responded with supplying referees, sports trainers and respect to one another."
Smithy Bally from Lockhart River was named man of the match, receiving prizes from the NRL and QRL.
