Roma reaches for the stars

Roma secure runners up at recent Zone 4 Carnival.

TEAM ROMA: The Zone 4 carnival runner-up was the Roma and District under-12 side. Picture: Molly Hancock

Rugby League: After an intense week of tough competition and hard hits, Roma has walked away from the Zone 4 under-12 rugby league carnival as the 2018 runner-up.

Roma coach Tony Knight was impressed with the boys' effort, despite the loss.

"All the boys played extremely well during the week and started off strong with a win over Ipswich and a draw against Gold Coast.

"In the last game of the carnival we needed Ipswich to beat Gold Coast but, unfortunately, they went down 12-6,” Knight said.

"A milestone we hit though was beating Ipswich for the first time in more than 12 years.”

Knight said his team dug deep and he was very proud.

"The team played the game plan.

"We started it at the start of the week and they were still doing it at the end which, I think, was why they were so competitive.

"We have a couple of good individual players but, as a team, they all played really well,” he said.

At the presentation after the last game, four Roma players went home with awards.

Noah Rogers was awarded payer of the carnival for his impressive work on the field, Blake Walton was presented with best forward for Roma and Braith Lorenz took home best back for Roma.

Jackson Packer was the recipient of the Mary and Nev O'Connell Shield.

Committee member for the carnival and Roma and District Junior Rugby League president Grant Lorenz said this year's carnival was a great success.

"Unfortunately Roma got pipped at the post but runner-up is the best result we have had in years.

"I think it has been a fantastic carnival and I don't think anyone had a bad time.

Lorenz estimated 120 players took part,with a total of 400-500 people present.

"This carnival is fantastic, not only for the town but the region,” he said.