— Report by Wayde Kelly
Last Friday saw Atwell college play host to the 2013 WA Year Seven state Rugby League carnival and the day was hot and full of high quality Rugby League.
Teams from across the Perth metropolitan area – from Somerly in the north to Dawesville in the south – came together for what was to be an outstanding display of Junior Rugby League.
Each of the teams that competed in the state finals had already been successful throughout the year at their local carnival with most regions providing one or two teams for both the girls and boys divisions.
The Mandurah and Rockingham schools again looked like the teams to beat early on,with outstanding performances during the pool stages whereas the northern and central teams seem to check into gear towards the middle of the day with a couple qualifying for the semi-finals.
The boys semis saw Ocean Road defeated by Warnbro Primary School and Atwell College successful against Somerly.
In the girl’s division, Hillman defeated Lockridge to book their spot in the final against last year’s Runner’s up Greenfields who defeated reigning champions Meadow Springs.
The girls Grand Final was an outstanding display of Rugby-League with teams locked at 2-2 at half time whilst the second half was fast and physical and just as even with Hillman running out victors 4-3 in golden try.
The boys game was just as intense with Warnbro, led by West Coast Pirates Academy player Tyrin Wiley, coming up against a very fast and defensively tight Atwell College team.
In the end though, Atwell went into half time with a 5-3lead and manage to hold on 6-5 against a fast finishing Warnbro outfit.
A number of teachers commented on how the standard of Rugby League across the state has improved dramatically over the past twelve months from last year’s carnival.
All in attendance were impressed by the sportsmanship and ability displayed across the day and A big thank you must go out to Atwell college for hosting the carnival and for their Rugby League program boys for assisting throughout the day.
Another big thank you to a couple of the SG ball players from the West Coast pirates for coming to help setup and referee games.
If you’re part of a school would like to be involved in Rugby League in 2014 please contact Wayde Kelly (wkelly@nrl.com.au) for more information.