Warriors continue winning form

Monday, 23 November 2009 10:10

By ALF WILSON
Regional Pacific Argan Warriors consisting of mainly Torres Strait islander players took out the grand final of the rich Dan Ropeyarn rugby league carnival at Bamaga beating Injinoo Crocs 30-28 in extra time.

UNBEATABLE: The Argan Warriors celebrate another big win at the Dan Ropeyarn Cup carnival. PHOTO BY ROGER BARTLETT.

The carnival was held at Bamaga’s Yusia Ginau Oval. from November 5 to 7 and Regional Pacific Argan Warriors won in extra time and claimed the rich $20,000 first prize.
Scores were deadlocked at 28-all when the final siren sounded and Regional Pacific Argan Warriors were awarded a penalty 25m out which star back Billo Mosby kicked truly to give his team a two point win.
Organizers had in place a rule which allowed only five southern A grade players in each team and Injinoo Crocs won $10,000 for being runners up.
Inspirational Regional Pacific Argan Warriors coach Gerald Bowie said the side had a combination of players from Cairns based Southern Indigenous and Badu Island.
“Almost the same boys from the Island of origin, Torres Strait Cup and the Cairns Allblacks carnival. Our best players were Joe Tamwoy, Jack David, Steve Singleton, Solomon Ahmat, Billo Mosby, Noel Underwood and Thomas Nona. Our biggest sponsor for the southern boys for the last four years has been Regional Pacific Airlines,” Mr Bowie said.
A total of nine teams competed with the others being Eagles United, Bamaga Roos, Chivalry Warriors, 8HB Brothers, Wagadagam Storm, Wakaid Warriors and Waleku Raiders.
In the semi finals, Argun Warriors defeated Bamaga Roos 26-18 and Injinoo Crocs 30 rolled 8HB Brothers 28.
Included in the 8HB Brothers side was star Mackay back Aaron Barba and a number of Weipa and Napranum footballers.
Try scorers for Regional Pacific Argan Warriors in the final were blockbusting forward Joe Tamwoy (2) with singles to Isaac Koworo, Solomon Ahmat, Weldon Matasia and champion Cairns halfback Steve Singleton. Billo Mosby booted three goals.
For Injinoo Crocs tries went to Clifton Gebadi, Justin Torney, Francis Magala, Harry Mooka and Jeffrey Tugai with three goals to Patrick Ropeyarn and one to Johannes Gebadi.
The player of the final was Joe Tamwoy and player of the carnival Noel Underwood both of Regional Pacific Argan Warriors.
Forward of the carnival was Harry Mooka from Injinoo Crocs and back of the carnival was Aaron Barba (8HB Brothers). With 42 points for the carnival, Barba also won the highest total scorer award.
Most Improved player went to John Wigness of Bamaga Roos. Ironically Harry Mooka had played in the Warriors team which took out the final of the rich Cairns Allblacks carnival on October 18 beating Cherbourg 42-38 and Injinoo Crocs was his family team.
Aaron Barba starred in the Mackay Stallions team which won the grand final of the Sharks United Allblacks carnival in Townsville on October 11 beating Bindal 30-22.
Dominic Carter, QRL Development Officer for the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait, described it as fantastic carnival.
“Playing a regular rugby league season up here has definitely benefited the carnival. I would like to congratulate the committee for volunteering their time and running a successful carnival,” Carter said.
Large crowds watched the carnival games with a large contingent from Cape York and that signals the end of official rugby league for 2009 in the NPA, Cape York and TSI.

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