THE 20th Annual Ronny Gibbs Rugby League and Netball tournament, hosted by the Far West Academy of Sport (FWAS), was held in Bourke last Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was always expected that with this year's event being the 20th anniversary it would be a big occasion but all expectations were shattered with special guest appearances on the day from NSW coach Laurie Daley, NRL Ambassadors and former players Mario Fenech, Nathan Merritt, David Peachey, Nigel Plum and Wendell Sailor, as well as a record number of 39 teams representing twelve schools.
The twelve schools from across the Far West Region were from Baradine, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Gilgandra, Goodooga, Lightning Ridge, Menindee, Nyngan, Trangie, Walgett and Warren.
The honours were shared evenly among the schools with Nyngan winning the under-14s rugby league and Bourke taking out the opens for the third consecutive year.
In the netball, Trangie claimed the under-14s title when they were too strong for Walgett, while Baradine fell one game short again this year after being defeated by Gilgandra in the Opens final.
FWAS Programs and Development Officer, Jarrad Linton Harland, was thrilled with the day and the talent on display.
"The schools are always great supporters of the event and it wouldn't be possible without their support," FWAS' Jarrod Linton Harland said.
"Teams are continuing to travel from as far Baradine and Gilgandra to compete in the event which is a great effort and greatly appreciated by the Academy and all organisers of the Ronny Gibbs 7's.
"The level of talent in both the rugby league and netball was outstanding again this year and seems to get better and better each year."
The man the event is named after, Ronny Gibbs, was also very happy with the success of the day.
"It was simply outstanding," Mr Gibbs said.
"It's great to see so many schools supporting the event again this year and to see over 350 kids enjoying playing sport is brilliant, which is what the day is all about.
"The day just keeps getting bigger and better every year and I already can't wait for next year."