The Gomeroi Goannas might have only formed this year, but they’ve already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with after winning the bowl at the 2018 Coffs Harbour Ella 7s rugby union tournament.
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The event, held in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, March 3, is the flagship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rugby Union 7s tournament which attracts more 400 athletes. This is the first time the Gomeroi Goannas have attended the tournament, and, based on their success, it won’t be the last.
Despite few training sessions and only establishing this year, the Gomeroi Goannas managed to win the third division of the 7s tournament, coming away with the bowl.
“It was our first year so I just thought we’d play a couple of games and that’d be it,” coach Denzel Tighe said. “It was a great result, all the guys really enjoyed it. It certainly made the weekend funner.”
It was a great result.
- Denzel Tighe, Gomeroi Goannas coach
The Gomeroi Goannas was established by Tighe this year, and is made up of young Aboriginal men from Moree, most of whom come from a league background.
The Goannas won two of their three round robin games, defeating iFARES 45 to 5 and Central Coast United 21 to 7, and going down 5 to 22 to Northern Spirit. They were then placed in the bowl division for the finals.
The Goannas defeated Tingha Warriors 19 to 12 in the semi-final before proving too good for Casino Scorchers in the bowl final, winning 33 to 5.
"It was a great weekend away, we weren't expecting to take out the bowl, but it was great to see some young Moree talent on show at the Ella 7s,” Tighe said.
“We will be back next year to defend our title. A huge thanks to our sponsors, Pius X Aboriginal corporation, Moree Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) and Cafe Omega. Without you all it would not have been possible. Thanks to all players, supporters back home and everyone involved.”
