Earlier this month, the Eels Cup school's competition commenced in Darwin and Katherine.
The Eels Cup is an Under 16s Secondary Schools Rugby League competition in the Northern Territory, which commenced in 2014 as part of the ongoing partnership between the Parramatta Eels and the Northern Territory Government.
The first round saw MacKillop Catholic College take on Palmerston College and Katherine High School playing host to Taminmin College.
Playing at Palmerston Raiders Goodline Oval, Palmerston College claimed a 24-18 victory over MacKillop Catholic College. After conceding two tries early in the first half, MacKillop rallied and looked to be finishing over the top of Palmerston but some slick play and tiring defence, Palmerston held on for the win.
The captains on both sides were easily the best players on the field with Mark Williams from Palmerston College leading from the front and showing true leadership and grit expected of a captain, and MacKillop's Dan Hausler was just as courageous for his side bagging himself a hat-trick of tries.
In the other game Katherine HS played Taminmin College in what was hotly contested in the first half, with Katherine HS outplaying Taminmin to lead 10-8 at the break. The half time hooter couldn’t have come sooner for Taminmin who used the rest to regroup and come out of the blocks blazing for the 2nd half to secure the win 32-10. Although under enormous pressure, Katherine HS never said die in front of a healthy crowed of parents and fellow classmates.
Round 2 saw Katherine High Katherine High taking on Palmerston College in Darwin followed by the much anticipated rivalry clash between MacKillop and Taminmin. Round two results to come.
