Arana's U 15 finished runners up in the inaugural U15 ARL Foundation Shield open to all U15 club teams in Queensland. Here is the article copied from the QRL's web page:
News Brief
The spectators who came early to see the best young footballers in Australia and Great Britain play in a Test Match on a beautiful August night at Kougari Oval, Wynnum had a surprise treat when they witnessed an enthralling contest to decide the winners of the ARL Foundation Shield, a new State-wide competition for under 15 rugby league players in Queensland.
In a cliff-hanger, Tugun held on to defeat a strong finishing Arana Hills 33-28. The crowd included some of the Australian Rugby League legends, heroes of State of Origin and of Kangaroo tours and NRL scouts. Along with the rest of the spectators, they seemed impressed by the display of skills, teamwork and resolve in both teams. The game was played in great spirit and reflected well on the standard of rugby league in Queensland. Steve Palin, Operations Manager of the ARL Foundation, remarked "if the final was any indication, the standard must have been extraordinary." Indeed Tugun had to dig deep the previous week to barnstorm home against a terrific Fitzroys team from Rockhampton after trailing 22-6 at half-time. Outstanding players in the Grand Final included Carl Dennis, Luke Starkey and James Shillington from Arana Hills and Joel Rapana, Jim Tripp and Daniel Backo form Tugun.
The Shield has challenged players beyond their regular Local League commitments. The proud Tugun supporters were ecstatic when Bill Palmer, General Manager of the ARL Foundation, presented the Shield to Tugun captain, Jim Tripp. Jim told the crowd he and his Club were rapt in the concept of the ARL Foundation Shield. He felt the challenge of playing teams from outside their competition had called upon them to find something extra. They were inspired by the opportunity to be called "the State Champion Club team". Tugun (Southern Division) advanced to the inaugural Grand Final by beating Fitzroys (Rockhampton, Central Division) in another cliff-hanger the previous Saturday night in front of a Bundy Gold Cup crowd at Browne Park, Rockhampton, the headquarters of the Central Comets. Arana Hills (South East Division) defeated Kingaroy (Wide Bay Division) on their way to the Grand Final. The Tugun boys told Bob Cronk, the Chairman of the QRL Junior Council after the game that the travelling and the intensity of the competition made them feel like they were playing NRL.
The Finals Series results were:
Fitzroys, Rockhampton 12 d Norths Mackay 6.
Tugun 46 d Pittsworth 8.
Redcliffe 44 d Logan Brothers 18.
Arana Hills 58 d Kingaroy 4.
Tugun 34 d Fitzroys, Rockhampton 28.
Arana Hills 32 d Redcliffe 22.
Tugun 33 d Arana Hills 28.
The ARL Foundation Shield was introduced by the QRL Junior Council to provide competition opportunities beyond their Local League competition for all players under 15 years of age from QRL registered Clubs. The competition was only possible as a result of financial assistance provided by the ARL Foundation through its Grants program. The Shield was organised and conducted along similar lines to the very successful ARL Foundation Cup, a Competition organised by the QRL and the Queensland State Primary Schools Rugby League for primary school players and also sponsored by the ARL Foundation. In its first year of operation, it has proven to be an extremely popular competition for Clubs, players and supporters. The success of the competition reflects the commitment of the Club and Local League officials and supporters and the support of the staff of the QRL Divisions.
The combination of matches featuring top junior players from both the school and club arenas ensured that the evening demonstrated ".. support and co-ordination to all aspects of the code involved in raising participation and awareness levels to boys and girls in schools and junior leagues" as specified in the ARL Foundation Mission Statement. Primary School Development Officers (PDOs) Katrina Gomersall and Joanne Breakspear were also there to carry the ARL Foundation message to the spectators throughout the evening. But the players and their loyal supporters who travelled with them to other regions of Queensland deserve the big thanks for showcasing the best of junior rugby league and putting the ARL Foundation Shield on the map.
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