St James’ College, Spring Hill made a strong start in their quest for a first ACU Confraternity Carnival triumph in an entertaining opening to the girls’ rugby league tournament at Marist College, Ashgrove today.
St James’ fell to The Cathedral College, Rockhampton in last year’s memorable girls’ Shield final and they surged into this year’s carnival by conceding only one try in their opening two matches.
Teams from 16 Catholic and Independent schools around Queensland have gathered for the sixth girls’ “Confro” which is run by Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League and sponsored by Australian Catholic University. It is played alongside the boys’ tournament which features 56 teams.
St James’ were missing eight players to state representative duties but they overcame the absences with seven tries in a 38-6 win over Chanel College, Gladstone before toppling 2024 champions St Patrick’s College, Mackay 16-0.
Coach Brandon Finnegan – a Queensland Cup halfback with the Norths Devils – was proud of his team’s effort.
“We have some strong players out but that gives opportunities for other girls who have stepped up,” Finnegan said.
“It’s been a really positive effort. We played against Keebra Park (State High) last week and matched it with them and we knew it was going to be challenging and it has been just that. It is such a good week for the girls. The majority of our team play together over at Pine Central Hornets which helps with the team chemistry.”
In other Division 1 matches, The Cathedral College defeated inaugural Shield champions Marymount College, Burleigh Waters, before a 16-14 loss to local rivals Rockhampton Grammar School. St Margaret Mary’s College, Townsville and Shalom College, Bundaberg also won matches.
In Division 2, St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba made an unbeaten start alongside St Patrick’s College, Townsville.
All 16 girls’ teams will play their pool matches tomorrow with the finals commencing tomorrow afternoon.
The girls’ Confraternity competition is seeing new teams this year competing for the girls’ Shield for Division 1 and a new look Trophy competition.
Photo by QISSRL / Bradley Kanaris
Girls’ Day 1 results
DIVISION 1
Pool A
The Cathedral College, Rockhampton 10 d Marymount College, Burleigh Waters 6
St Margaret Mary’s College, Townsville 16 d Rockhampton Grammar School 14
Rockhampton Grammar School 18 d The Cathedral College, Rockhampton 4
Marymount College, Burleigh Waters 10 d St Margaret Mary’s College, Townsville 6
Pool B
St James College, Spring Hill 38 d Chanel College, Gladstone 6
St Patrick’s College, Mackay 16 d Shalom College, Bundaberg 4
St James College, Spring Hill 16 d St Patrick’s College, Mackay 0
Shalom College, Bundaberg 8 d Chanel College, Gladstone 0
DIVISION 2
Pool A
Emmaus College, Jimboomba 14 d Mt Maria College, Mitchelton 4
St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba 12 d Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay 0
St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba 30 d Mt Maria College, Mitchelton 0
Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay 16 d Emmaus College, Jimboomba 6
Pool B
St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon 20 d Marist College, Emerald 0
St Patrick’s College, Townsville 12 d Emmaus College, Rockhampton 4
Emmaus College, Rockhampton 18 d Marist College, Emerald 0
St Patrick’s College, Townsville 26 d St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon 6
