Kids shine in front of stars

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27 June 2007 View all news | Send to a friend | Print


Kids shine in front of stars - South Dubbo, St Raphael’s victorious
By BARRY HILDEBRANDT


SCHOOLS LEAGUE: Dubbo South Public and St Raphael's Cowra are the undisputed kings of schoolboys football after winning exciting finals at Apex Oval in Dubbo yesterday.
South Sydney fullback David Peachey was on hand to present his trophy to Dubbo South for taking out the Year-5/6 final 24-16 over a gallant Condobolin Public outfit.

Also on hand for presentations was another former Dubbo primary school rugby league star Russell Richardson, who handed over his trophy for Year-3/4 teams to the boys from St Raphaels.

St Raphael's and Cathedral School Bathurst went head to head in their final with the lead fluctuating until the Cowra boys scored a try in the second period of extra time.

The gala finals yesterday saw the top 32 teams in both divisions qualified from carnivals held throughout the western area where more than 4000 kids were involved and some 200 schools.

While St Raphael's won their first finals trophy yesterday, Dubbo South had success last year in the Russell Richardson Cup.

At the presentations Peachey paid tribute to the people behind the successful carnival.

"These days don't just come around, they happen because people care about the kids and the game of rugby league," he said.

"That success has also been through the efforts of the organisers, the parents, the teachers and let's not forget the referees.

"We've also been fortunate to have some of the NRL stars up here today and that's made it extra special for the kids. Thanks to John Sutton, Joey Williams and David Kidwell from Souths and MiIton Thaiday from the Knights.

"Russell and I will be back again and we hope to see you all again."

Having Richardson and Peachey here again for the seventh successive year is a real bonus with both having personal issues to deal with in recent times.

While Peachey is holding down his fullback place with the Rabbitohs his future with the club is uncertain past this year.

Richardson is now long retired from the game after successful stints with Cronulla and Newcastle Knights, his hotel at Newcastle was swamped with water during the flooding - the water coming up to the bar.

"It's been a lot of hard work but it's coming together - coming out home here today has been a good release," Richardson said.

"We started this football with a few teams in 2001 now look at it. It's a lot of fun, the kids enjoy it and they really put everything into it."

A bonus for Dubbo South being that they will represent the Western Area at the Legends of League series finals for primary school teams in Sydney on August 22.

David Peachey yesterday presented coach Paul Loxley with one of his 250th NRL game commemorate guernseys to raffle and raise funds for the Sydney trip.