Proud Bulls finish up season

Up against strong players from across the region, the Bulls kids were all smiles after the Mulga Cup in Charleville.

BIG HEARTS: Benderoo Bulls at the 2018 Mulga Cup. Picture: Janet Harland

RUGBY LEAGUE: An exhausted yet happy bunch of kids from Surat and surrounds made the long drive home from Charleville on the weekend, marking the end of another season for the Benderoo Bulls.

The little leaguers had played five games of footy at the Mulga Cup Carnival, meeting teams from across the region, and from Brisbane.

Hosted by the Charleville Football Club and played at the showgrounds, six under-11s teams played for the title: Benderoo Bulls, Wandoan Wildcats, Roma Mixed, Central West, the Western Ringers, and Capalaba Warriors.

The well-travelled Warriors from the eastern suburb of Brisbane ultimately won the day, winning four games, drawing one, and taking out the grand final.

But winning wasn't everything, as the Bulls graciously proved at the carnival.

Benderoo Bulls volunteer Ange Latham said that despite being beaten in every game, the kids were in high spirits.

"Every team played five games, which were shortened to 20 minutes each and had a quick break in between,” she said.

"It was a full-on day for the kids and they were all pretty exhausted by the end.

"Luckily, the weather was good and it wasn't too hot, and the kids played some fantastic footy that was really enjoyable to watch.

"We're so proud of the team, the kids never gave up.

"They played five games and didn't come away with any wins, but they never dropped their heads, and in fact their last game was probably one of their best of the whole day.”

She gives credit to the kids' sportsmanship.

"They worked really well as a team and just never gave up, their attitude was fantastic.

"Their coach said at the end of the day he was so happy to see the improvements they had made and that they'd taken his advice throughout the day.

"He couldn't be more proud of them.”

For all teams, making it to Charleville for the carnival was half the battle, but also a testament to the dedication of families in the Western Rugby League, said Ms Latham.

"Everyone travelled a fair way to get there; certainly the Central West who have players from as far out as Longreach and Blackall, and the carnival saw players from Cunnamulla too.

"Even the guys at Wandoan, they had to travel a bit further than us.

"Our players are from the Surat area, so they've got extra miles to go as well, but Capalaba was definitely the most travelled.

"Everyone puts in a big commitment, all the parents and coaches and team managers, to do the driving for the kids, and it's so good to see carnivals like this well supported with all the teams coming so far.”

The Benderoo contingent couldn't praise Charleville highly enough after the success of the carnival as a whole.

"It was a great day and really well run, Charleville always do a fantastic job with running their carnival,” Ms Latham said.

Originally published as Proud Bulls finish up season