Dirranbandi was the venue for the kick off of the Balone/Barwon junior rugby league competition last Saturday.
A full bus load of players, parents and supporters made the journey to Dirranbandi and were rewarded with a great day of rugby league.
League legends Mal Meninga and Steve Renouf greeted our players before kick-off and signed hats, shirts and had photos taken with our kids.
First on the paddock were our little 'cubs', the under 8s matching up against St George.
In a close fought battle our ‘cubs' went down narrowly 28-24.
All players tried hard with standout players Samuel Jackson-Bolton and Trae Hooper featuring all game.
In the second game the side was too strong for Mungindi, running away winners 44-4.
Best on the field were Robbo Lane and Joel Vrtacnik - top stuff under 8s.
The first of our under 10 sides, Tigers Black, faced Mungindi in their first game of the season.
The side produced some good footy to secure a win 28-22.
Ceejay Harrison proved near unstoppable taking out the Man of the Match award and Wesly Vrtacnik tackled strongly all game.
In their second game, Dirranbandi came away with the win defeating the Tigers 20-12.
Matty McGregor showed his ability with the ball and Mitchell McGovern ran hard all game.
The Tigers Gold under 10 side faced up against the highly rated St George outfit in their game and put up a good showing - Ashley Wood side stepped his way around the park to take out Man of the Match honours and George McCormick ran the ball with determination. .
Good effort by all players, with St George winning 36-10.
Our red hot under 12s, continued their winning form from the Ridge carnival they recently won, by clinching victories in both games they played.
In their first game against St George the side showed great team work, winning 36-12.
Zac Cobb took out man of the match honours with his fearless running of the ball and Zac Taylor once again featured prominantly all game.
In their second game, Thomas Alchin showed not only is he a tackling machine, but he can also produce some top attaching footy, taking out man of the match.
Daniel Cubby again stamped himself as a gifted footballer and a player to go places in the future.
All players had strong games and were deserved winners, 18-12 over Dirranbandi.
A wonderful day of rugby league was witnessed and well done to all the players.
Thanks to Trevor McGovern, our bus driver.
Training continues during the holidays with next weeks' game to be held in St George.
With the junior league season up and running, it is a good time to thank our sponsors whom without we would find it near impossible to field league sides in this competition.
Major thanks to guernsey sponsors Lightning Ridge Hotel Motel, Foodworks, Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, Lost Sea Opals, Jonas Myers-builder.
Club sponsors; Telstra, Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari, Ridge Bus Service, Opal FM, Ridge News and the other business houses and individuals that have supported our second season in this competition.