YOUNG Public School ensured the Mortimer Shield returned home with them after a second consecutive victory in the girls league tag on Tuesday.
Young took all before them in the league tag division and took out the Riverina final with a win over Griffith Public School at Wagga’s Parramore Park.
Talented young athlete Hannah Keevil was awarded the Rick Keast Medal for the best player in the final after an eye-catching performance.
The league tag division of the Mortimer Shield has not been around very long but already Young have established a reputation as one of the competition heavyweights.
It was the first time in Mortimer Shield history that both the boys and girls winners successfully defended the title.
Injured Gold Coast Titans utility Daniel Mortimer was on hand to make the presentation and he was delighted to see the game of league tag taking off with Riverina girls.
“It’s great to see so many girls involved and enjoying it,” Mortimer said.
“It makes you have faith that the Country Rugby League are doing a good job out here.”
Mortimer, 27, said that it was not that long ago that he was competing in similar school events.
“I’m an Orange boy so I know these carnivals, I’ve played in them, only about 10 years ago, so it’s nice to come back and see the kids, and now the girls involved too, it’s awesome,” he said.
Seeing so many girls involved brought a tear to the eye of rugby league legend Steve Mortimer.
“I see it and I tear up a bit to see the girls playing league tag,” Mortimer said. “I think that makes this event.”
Mortimer made the trip from Sydney to be on hand at the Riverina finals named in he and his brothers honour. He only visits about once a year now but loved seeing the event thriving.
“It’s wonderful to see the boys compete and also the girls as well,” he said.
“They are half our population, so we also show respect to the winners of their event as well.”
Hundreds of kids from throughout the Riverina travelled to Wagga to take part in the finals.
