S t B e r n a r d’s Third in NSW
Legends of League Finals
The future of Rugby League in Batemans Bay is assured if St Bernard’s Primary School has anything to do with it. The school’s Year 6 Open Rugby League team represented the South Coast at the Legends of League Final played recently at Macquarie University Sporting Fields in Sydney. There were 25 finalists representing every region in NSW. To make the final was a great achievement, but not content with merely being participants the St Bernard’s boys surpassed all expectations with their amazing performances. The boys topped their pool finishing undefeated after the round robin games. In the quarter finals the boys were drawn against the competition’s top-ranked school. In a hard fought encounter the St Bernard’s team prevailed 22-6. In the semi final against Edensor Park’s Governor Phillip King Primary School the team carried some injuries into the game which resulted in three of their strongest players being sidelined with injuries. The score was six all up until substitutions. The team only just missed out making the grand final and went down 22-12 against the eventual winners. The boys effectively finished third ranking them in the top echelon in the State! St Bernard’s Primary School was the highest achieving Catholic Primary School in NSW, the highest achieving nonGovernment School in the State and the highest ranked country/regional school throughout all of NSW. Wow!!!!! Pictured with the team is Parramatta’s League Legend Nathan Hindmarsh who was very impressed with the St Bernard’s level of team work, courage and commitment. Nathan offered valuable advice to the boys who lapped up every word he said. The St Bernard’s school community is extremely proud of the team’s achievement and spirit shown in representing the South Coast at such a prestigious tournament. Aidan Gaffey won St Bernard’s best and fairest on the day, with all of the boys playing exceptionally well and making massive contributions to their team’s success. Also pictured is team captain Jack Gallen receiving the Legends of League Finalists Shield from Parramatta legend Nathan Hindmarsh. A special mention must also go to St Mary’s Primary School Crookwell who played well all day and in fact drew their game against St Bernard’s. For a smaller school they did extremely well and only just missed out on making the quarter finals. David Casey, Principal St Bernard’s Primary School, Batehaven NSW