By David Kavanagh | posted on October 19, 2019
JUNIOR rugby teams from across the state converged on Albany last weekend for the city’s long-awaited annual junior rugby carnival.
The two-day tournament saw hundreds turn out to watch players from Dunsborough, Kalamunda, Bunbury, Mandurah, Rockingham, Scarborough, Joondalup, Nedlands, Swanbourne, Palmyra and Albany battle it out on the North Road ovals.
The city’s own U11s Albany Storm took home the much-lauded Nuthall Trophy, while Kalamunda claimed the cup for the U10s and the Associates grabbed it in the U8s.
Nedlands, the Mandurah Pirates and the Scarborough Wests took the Plate for the U8s, U10s and U11s respectively.
Coordinator Julie Hetherington said about 300 kids played at this year’s carnival, which marks the third time the Albany Junior Rugby Club (AJRC) has hosted it.
She said parent volunteers had been amazing in pulling together to get the event organised.
“Our club felt the event was very successful,” she said.
“Many of the other coaches asked what competition our Albany kids compete in and they were amazed we only come together to play a few times a year and that we don’t have designated home grounds.
“Our kids play many other sports and it’s the love of rugby that brings us together. It helps we have fantastic coaches.”
AJRC players will next travel to Bunbury in February and Perth in April for their respective carnivals.
