The ET Shield, a 9-a-side rugby league competition for primary schools, managed by the Sharks and NRL development, was run and won at the Barden Ridge fields late last week.
Over 40 teams, representing 12 local Sutherland Shire primary schools, took part in both senior and junior divisions, with appearances from former Shark and current Footy Show personality Beau Ryan, along with 2018 NRL squad members Trent Hodkinson and Kurt Dillon, adding to the festivities on the day.
Some exciting junior rugby league was on show, with the Holy Family Menai team scoring a narrow five tries to four victory over Caringbah North in the Senior Division (Years 5/6) final.
In a thrilling finale to the championship match, Holy Family made a last-minute try-saving tackle to secure the win.
In the Junior Division (Years 3/4), it was St John Bosco (5 tries) who emerged victorious over St Josephs (3 tries) in a hard-fought final.
Special mention to the junior team from Oyster Bay who despite being down on numbers as the day progressed, managed to win their way through to the semi-finals.
The ET Shield winners now progress to the Legends Shield final, to be contested against winners from other districts around NSW, as well as a girl’s primary school competition, to be held later in the year.
A will take place later in the year.
The competing schools at the ET Shield included;
Sutherland Shire Christian School
Holy Family Menai
St John Bosco
Our Lady Star of the Sea
St Joseph’s
St Catherine Laboure
Gymea Bay PS
Oyster Bay PS
Cronulla PS
Woolooware PS
Caringbah North PS
Cronulla South PS