Juniors lead way

Matthew Lee | 3rd July 2009

WHILE the Gympie Devils senior sides enjoyed mixed results at the weekend, Gympie's junior stock of players were showered in success.

Gympie Junior Rugby League publicity officer Celine Jackson was delighted with the outcomes of junior games played away at the weekend.

“It was victory all round,” she said.

“It's a great result for Gympie junior rugby league and the club is just over the moon with the performances of our younger teams.”

The most impressive result was easily that of the Under 14 Gympie outfit, breaking a horror run of 12 consecutive losses.

The Gympie side overcame Coolum away in the dying stages of the game to win an absolute nail biter 28-26.

“What a game!” Jackson said.

Player Nathan Boatfield clinched the win in the dying seconds of the game with a brilliant try.

Despondent Coolum players were left to consider what could have been with the win snatched cleanly snatched from its grasp right on the hooter.

Aside from Boatfield's heroic efforts, a five-try haul from front rower Ben Kerr was the backbone of the win.

“Ben was incredible,” Jackson said. “What an effort to score five tries in one game to help his side to its first win.”

Coach Steve Jackson joined in the spirited celebrations with his players, likening the win to “being better than winning Origin”.

News of the side's steely win made it back to the Gympie club's base at Jack Stokes Ovals, with players warmly greeted by senior players upon their return.

“It's great the news got back to the seniors before the kids returned,” Celine said.

“It really shows how much the club supports each other and wants the young players to do well.”

Meanwhile, the Under 13 A and B teams also enjoyed victories. The Under 13 A side romped it home to win 60-nil away against Nambour, while the B side prevailed away against Coolum.

Gympie teams had to endure muddy conditions thanks to the heavy downpour on Friday night. But the challenge was set and Gympie players excelled, proving a slick field was no hurdle.