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Congratulations to Great Southern for taking out the 2006 Country Carnival over the long weekend.
Great Southern upset favourites and defending champions Kalgoorlie in the final to take the title 14-6.
Also, full recognition to the Hosts in Geraldton for reportedly putting on a great Carnival. Hopefully this exposure will lead to growth in the Northern Region of the WA Rugby sphere.
Report from the Albany Advertiser via the Great Southern RU website:
Against all expectations – two years ago they couldn't win a game – the Great Southern Rugby Union team have caused a major upset at the WA Country Rugby Union Titles.
And while it wasn't the Sydney Football Stadium, Geraldton proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Mongrels – now the hottest property in WA country rugby.
With a high degree of patience and persistence the team ran over the top of pre-tournament favourites, Kalgoorlie 14-6 in the final.
Great Southern Rugby Union president Andrew Shaw said this game is played between the ears.
Playing seven games in two days the Mongrels maintained their psychological intensity throughout, giving them the edge.
And while the final ebbed and flowed, Albany's Jimmy Falaniko said the team was flushed with confidence going into the match.
Jimmie said a powerful forward pack was the cornerstone of the preliminary round and accounting for the South West in the semi-final, Kalgoorlie presented a different challenge.
According to Jimmy, Kalgoorlie has been the dominant team of the Country Rugby scene however, this year the Great Southern forwards demoralised the Kalgoorlie pack while the backs carved up their opposition exploiting weaknesses in their line.
"Kalgoorlie are a good side but we had a feeling that it was our time,"
Albany's Jimmy Falaniko has been selected in the WA Country Rugby Union Squad along with seven other Great Southern Mongrels following their unexpected victory at the WA Country Rugby Union Titles.
Following their pre-game plan a disciplined Mongrels wore down their opponents giving the backs the space to run, side-step and shimmy their way to the try line.
Andrew said with strength and attacking brilliance they left their opposition flat-footed.
Confirming their dominance of the carnival eight players have been selected in the WA Country Rugby Union squad.
Jimmy, along with Albany's P J Leituala, impressed selectors with their ability to read the play quickly and accurately.
P J was also awarded best back for the carnival with selectors acknowledging his strength and intensity. The other selections included Andrew Shaw, Matthew Ericsson and Matthew Joumeaux from Mt Barker and Chris Slatter, Chris Hathoway and Brad Cunningham from Narrogin.
Ian Preece from Mt Barker has been picked as manager and Doug Armstrong from Narrogin as the team's trainer.
"This is a great result for everyone involved," Andrew said.
A major factor in the team's fortunes has been a successful recruit¬ment drive.
Report from the Geraldton Guardian via the RugbyWA website:
Rugby teams from Kalgoorlie and the State's southwest headed to Geraldton over the long weekend to contest the annual WA Country Carnival.
Hosted for the first time in the Mid West, the carnival was hailed a huge success with visiting teams praising the quality of facilities at La Fiamma and Geraldton's sunny weekend weather.
Unfortunately the team from Paraburdoo pulled out at the last minute, meaning the format was changed to a round-robin event. All sides played each other at least once, with Geraldton losing three close games on Saturday and also going down in their Sunday match-ups.
Carnival coordinator Warren Abrams said that Geraldton was competitive but couldn't claim a win with a very young and inexperienced side.
The highlight was a draw against the Bushies from Kalgoorlie, who were last year's reigning champions, as well as the selection of Tama Querino as the best forward at the carnival. Querino and
Geraldton captain Ben Taylor were also selected in the State Country team.
Great Southern eventually won the carnival grand final over the Bushies.
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2006 Country Carnival Champs
