This year’s Ricky Walford Shield – a celebration of sport and community as well as rugby league – has been run and won today in Walgett in the state’s north-west.
Congratulations to Barwon Learning Centre and Gosford Public School, in particular, for their successful campaigns in this year’s carnival.
Barwon Learning Centre 32 defeated Bourke Public School 24 in the George Rose Memorial Shield (repecharge) while Gosford Public School 28 beat Lightning Ridge 16 in the main event, the Ricky Walford Shield final.
A total of 200 of north-west New South Wales’ best open-aged primary school rugby league players travelled to Walgett for the nine-a-side tournament, with former NRL player Wes Patten and future stars Bernard Lewis and Dallas Campbell also in attendance.
Played in conjunction with a girls’ netball tournament, the Jenny Wright Memorial Shield, the Ricky Walford Shield is part of a sports spectacular that entertains and engages the community and highlights how sport can help create lasting bonds. A total of 27 schools competed in this year’s event.
“I’m very thankful of all the support in the community of the north-west region and isolated area of Walgett,” Walford, Indigenous Program Manager at the NSWRL, said.
“Everyone, from players, referees, parents, coaches and sponsors, have been supportive of the tournament since its inception.
“It’s great to be able to give kids the opportunity to participate in a great day and meet some of their heroes in person while encouraging community involvement.”
Click here for more information on the Ricky Walford Shield.
