Lions roar at Tassell Trophy Challenge

It was a successful weekend out for the Western Lions, taking home both Tassell trophies at the annual Under 14 carnival held in Far North Queensland recently.

The Townsville-based club dominated both the boys and girls age groups and is the first to claim both Tassell Trophy Carnival championships in the same year.

Teams travelled from as far afield as Moranbah to the south, Mount Isa to the west and Weipa to the north to compete in the iconic event played annually since 2001.

The carnival is also used as a referees development camp with match officials from throughout North Queensland officiating at the carnival.

Interest in the female participation continues to grow with four female teams competing for the Sandy Tassell Trophy this year.

Western Lionesses, Moranbah Miners, Mackay Brothers and the local Innisfail Brothers side all competed with Moranbah progressing to the grand final against the Lionesses.

At the end of the pool games in the male competition, Western Lions, Edmonton Storm, Townsville Brothers and the home side (Cairns Kangaroos) progressed to the semi-finals.

Tassell Trophy Challenge results

Girls: Western Lionesses 22 (Isabella Au 2, Maryanne Tutavake, Isabel Kennedy tries; Kaiontae Ross 3 goals) defeated Moranbah Miners 0

Boys: Western Lions 28 (Dane Ransom 2, Immanuel Kawane 2, Heath Bethel, Tyler Sirriss tries; Joseph Evans 2 goals) defeated Edmonton Storm 12 (Elyjah Birve, Donan Patterson tries; Elyjah Birve 2 goals)

Girls player of the carnival: Lisa Waireg (Innisfail)
Boys player of the carnival: Ezekiel Ivey (Tully)
Girls player of the final: Maryanne Tutavake (Western Lionesses)
Boys player of the final: Dane Ransom (Western Lions)
Team spirit award: Central Cape Suns (Weipa)
Volunteer of the carnival: Paddy Ryan (Kangaroos)
Most promising referee: Logan Bryant (Mackay)
Referee of the carnival: Andrew Edmonds (Townsville)