Rolleston Ringers win Sullivan’s Trophy at Sullivan’s Carnival

The Rolleston Ringers did not exist 12 months ago - now the young netballers have written their name into the history books at a record-setting carnival. Read about their amazing journey here.

The Rolleston Ringers won the Sullivan's Trophy for best goal average at the annual Sullivan's Carnival in Rockhampton at the weekend.

They’re the little girls with big hearts and beaming smiles who forged history at Rockhampton Netball’s annual Sullivan’s Carnival.

The Rolleston Ringers became the youngest team to ever claim the coveted Sullivan’s Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the highest goal average for the carnival.

They took out the Minis division, winning their six games to finish with a 1000 percent goal average, the best of any of the record 170 junior and senior teams involved.

The young champions are Harper Maguire, Lainey Johnson, Chelsea Emslie, Remy Morrissey, Ayla Pickersgill, Ami Scott, Bailie Fisher, Sophie Delahunty, Lucy Speed, Iluka White and Bridie Macdonald.

Stand-in coach Stacey McCallum described the Ringers’ maiden victory as an “awesome milestone” given the club was only formed about 12 months ago.

The Rolleston Ringers won their six games at the annual two-day carnival.

Jane Barton, who lives in Rolleston, population under 200, was a driving force behind its creation, determined to give her daughter the chance to play the sport they love.

“When (my daughter) Annabelle had to follow her brothers to cricket and football consistently, she decided she wanted a sport of her own and she was always very keen on netball,” Barton said.

“If we want any sporting opportunities for our kids, we have to travel a very long way or we have to start our own.

“Once I had a lot of the other mothers on board, as well as Gemma Bendall and with the incredible support of Kelli Johnson from the Blackwater association, we got things in motion.

“We became affiliated with Blackwater and with their help and hard work, we’ve been able to join all the carnivals in the region as the Rolleston Ringers.

Rolleston Ringers' player Ami Scott at the Sullivan's Carnival in Rockhampton.

“If we don’t have enough players, Blackwater players fill the team for us.”

Such was the case at the Sullivan’s Carnival, with five of the team from Blackwater.

Barton said it was the first time the Ringers had played in the Rockhampton carnival.

She was unable to commit as coach, given she wanted to watch Annabelle playing for Blackwater in an older division.

But she was there to cheer the young guns on when she could.

“They were a bit nervous because last year their efforts in competitions were not successful,” Barton said.

“But this year, they were ready. They were pumped and had really put a lot of effort into their training.

“They were absolutely amazing to watch. I’ve never seen little kids so committed.”

Rolleston Ringers' player Chelsea Emslie at the Sullivan's Carnival in Rockhampton.

McCallum concurred, saying it was great to see the girls really enjoying their netball.

“To watch their confidence grow with each game was the highlight,” she said.

The Ringers won their first five games, putting them equal on points with RGGS Marigold, who they met in the last game.

They got home 1-nil in what Mcmullen said was a hard-fought, seesawing contest.

That secured them the division title but, at that stage, they were unaware they were in contention for the main trophy.

“We were off our feet cheering, it was incredible,” McCallum said.

“The girls were all bright red and so excited.

“It wasn’t until we went up for the medal presentations that they told us that we were at 1000 percent so we hung around to see what was going to happen.

“It was a big win for our little girls.”

Originally published as Rolleston Ringers win Sullivan’s Trophy at Sullivan’s Carnival