The Toowoomba Grammar School hosted its annual junior rugby carnival last weekend and its always a great day and so it was for the Emu’s under 11s. The format of the carnival had the boys play a different team in each of the four, twenty minute quarters of the match.

Due to conditions a vigorous warm up was in order, but it can’t have been that cold as forwards coaches Dillon and McNaughton were both wearing shorts, however it’s worth noting that backs coach Pete Lennon was smart enough to wear long pants!

First up the boys played Toowoomba Prep Maroon and some good footy was played, hooker Angus Godlee had the best spot on the field, right in the middle of a warm scrum.

James Allen was out on the wing in the coldest position but pulled off some vital tackles out wide, Jack Thompson hit it up well at inside centre and Tom Mailler was “blue heeleresque” at second row, the “redskin” prize from the coaches though went to dynamo Lachie Fleming.

Number two on the chopping block was Toowoomba Prep Blue, a game the boys relished against a side containing two former Emus.

A tough match, it also turned out to be a very entertaining match with some terrific backline plays often started by kamikaze halfback Luke Lennon and executed by outside centre Dugald Grieve.

Lucas Hannah relished his role as battering ram from tap restarts and Keenan Bourke’s last-ditch defence kept the Emu’s in the game often bringing down opponents twice his size. Jardy Dillon received the coach’s award for his wholehearted performance in this stanza.

What was Grammar junior going to be like? They were an unknown quantity to the ducks this year.

They proved to be tough adversaries, however not as tough as hard nut Liam McNaughton, who never disappoints his coaches, neither does Jock Littlewood who though new to the team is great to have on board.

Having a stormer in this match and getting the nod from the coaches was try-scoring flanker Cliff Ostwald.

After a break with a hot coffee and a hot chip or two the boys limbered up to top off the afternoon with a crack at arch rivals, the Highfield Red Backs which turned out in the main to be a forwards battle with the opposition carrying some serious kilograms!

Hmm, perhaps more hot chips should have been consumed earlier. The Emu’s were well served by the two “taped” John Eales wannabes, Matty Hildred at prop and Timmy Beare at second row.

Alas Highfields got the jump on the boys and the junior Emus finished up a try in the red. Prop Lach Finlay’s power in the scrums and rucks earned him Dillo’s praise and the “redskin” MOTM .

The boys are starting to see the results coming from training as they are getting fitter, faster, stronger, smarter and most importantly enjoying their rugby.

This weekend all clubs have a bye for the long weekend but there will be training at Rriddles as usual .