Murringo Public School are celebrating after taking out the state final for small schools touch football.
The state titles were held on Thursday, September 22 at Moorebank, Sydney where the team played three games.
In the quarter finals Murringo played 2015 defending champions, Captains Flat, before taking on Burrumbuttock in the semi final.
In the grand final they played Bob’s Farm Public School.
Murringo – consisting of Year 3 to Year 6 students – won a very tough first game 10-9.
“It was really tough, they had to dig really deep for that,” principal Kaylene Neville said.
The wins continued in their match against Burrumbuttock when they ran out winners, 6-4.
“The kids were pretty tired after their first game but that game was a little bit easier, it was a slower game because both teams were pretty tired,” Neville said.
“They had to dig deep in defence to hold on.”
The rain had well and truly started come grand final time, and despite slippery play Murringo ran out winners, 12-6.
“We had kids flying into the corners everywhere, it was good,” Neville said.
“At least six of the 10 students scored in that game.
“It was a well-shared win.”
Neville said the students were elated at the outcome of their first year in the competition which saw them presented gold medals and a shield for their efforts.
“The kids were elated,” she said.
“The sportsmanship was just beautiful between the kids – the older ones ran the training sessions, positions and encouraged the little ones.
“Everyone got a good go and that was beautiful to watch, their teamwork was the highlight of the day.
“It’s the first time we’ve ever been in the comp so we were thrilled.”
Neville made special mention of NRL development officer Luke Branighan, who spent time training with the students prior to the finals.
“He stayed back during lunch time and coached the kids, so they had some lovely coaching by Luke before we headed off,” Neville said.
“It’s a gorgeous relationship that we’ve got with Luke.
“It was a beautiful way to finish off the term, it was a lovely way to cap off a really well-rounded term.
“We’ll be going back next year.”
