Last weekend, the Townsville Brolgas representative teams travelled to Cairns to take on long-time rivals Far North Queensland (FNQ) in a series of junior representative matches. Junior teams from Under 12s through to Under 16 Boys proudly representing Townsville in what was another fiercely contested annual encounter.
For many players, the Under 12 program represents their only representative rugby opportunity of the year. A squad of 28 players from clubs across Townsville came together to take on FNQ and gained valuable experience throughout the weekend.
While the team was unable to secure a victory in either match, they showed tremendous resilience, particularly in their second game where they significantly reduced the scoring opportunities of their opponents.
Game 1: FNQ 31 defeated Townsville 7 Townsville Scorers: Cristiano Inthaboualy (Try), Levii McDonald (Conversion)
Game 2: FNQ 12 defeated Townsville 0
The future is bright for this group, and the experience gained this year will undoubtedly benefit them when they return next season.
The Under 13 Boys are the youngest age group to participate in the Queensland Country Championships pathway. With many players progressing from last year's Under 12 program, the team displayed plenty of promise and determination throughout the day.
Although the results did not fall their way, the players continued to fight hard and produced some excellent passages of rugby.
Game 1: FNQ 21 defeated Townsville 0
Game 2: FNQ 20 defeated Townsville 12 Townsville Scorers: Liam Pretorius (2 Tries), Boston Green (Conversion)
The Under 14 Boys travelled north with an extended squad of 35 players. Throughout both matches, the team produced several impressive moments in attack and defence but were unable to consistently convert their opportunities into points.
Despite the results, the squad demonstrated strong commitment and teamwork against quality opposition.
Game 1: FNQ 27 defeated Townsville 0
Game 2: FNQ 34 defeated Townsville 12 Townsville Scorers: Lerhys Butler (Try), Penalty Try
As the oldest junior representative team, the Under 16 Boys delivered Townsville's strongest performances of the day.
The opening match was a tightly contested affair, with Townsville pushing FNQ all the way before narrowly falling short.
Game 1: FNQ 24 defeated Townsville 19 Townsville Scorers: Davontai Mooka (Try), Dylan Grace (Try), Penalty Try, Sam Martin (Conversion)
The second match saw the boys lift their performance even further, producing a determined defensive effort to earn a hard-fought draw.
Game 2: Townsville 12 drew with FNQ 12
With plenty of training and development still ahead before the Queensland Country Championships, the performances across all junior age groups highlighted the talent emerging through Townsville rugby. The experience gained against strong FNQ opposition will prove invaluable as these players continue their representative rugby journey.
