Capricornia boys win Queensland Primary Schools Touch championships

Coach Gareth Saunders reveals what was behind the little champions’ success.

The Capricornia 10 to 12 years boys team won the Queensland Primary Schools Touch title in Townsville.

Ollie Hinds and Eli Landsberg enjoyed starring roles at the Queensland Primary Schools Touch 10 to 12 years championships.

The Rockhampton duo co-captained the Capricornia boys team, which won the title for the first time since 2013.

They were then named in the Queensland Merit team at the end of the four-day carnival in Townsville.

The Capricornia girls finished fourth, with Rockhampton’s Charli Hardy also earning Queensland honours.

Capricornia boys coach Gareth Saunders was thrilled with the result.

“The key was just great teamwork,” he said.

“They came together really well and played superbly, especially in their last two games.

“I’m rapt with their performance.

“Some of the boys were playing with injuries, some were a bit unwell but they really toughed it out and definitely deserved to win.

Coach Gareth Saunders: “The key was just great teamwork.”

“Ollie and Eli were really solid in defence and attack throughout the four days and certainly deserved their positions in the Queensland team.”

Capricornia won 10, drew one and lost one of their round games to set up a showdown with Darling Downs in the grand final.

They were up 3-nil at half-time of the decider, going on to win 5-2.

Saunders said among the highlights of the victory were a “diving Superman try” in the corner by winger Flynn Williams and a fantastic intercept try by fellow winger Kobe Oberhardt, which was one of two that he scored.

It’s been a good year for Saunders, who also coached the Rockhampton Grammar Primary rugby league team to victory in the CQ Capras Challenge Jake Granville Cup for the first time.

“It’s my first time coaching the touch team so I couldn’t have started any better,” he said.

“It’s very special to win a state championship. To be crowned the best region in the state is something I’ve never done and it’s something these boys can be very proud of too.”

Originally published as Capricornia boys win Queensland Primary Schools Touch championships