Touch competition a ‘ Worthy ‘ challenge

FRIDAY afternoon sport is a big deal at Jamberoo Public School and for the past term-and-a-half students have done battle for the prestigious Worthy Cup of touch football.

The competition was named after one of Jamberoo's wonderful teachers, Mrs Worthy.

While she has absolutely no affiliation or known interest in the game of touch, she was obviously quite honoured to have the cup named after her.

The competition's logo beared an uncanny resemblance to the NSW Rugby League's major sponsor from the 1980s and early 90s and a Tina Turner CD featuring the timeless rugby league anthem, "?Simply the Best' was dusted off for the grand final.

Over 60 girls and boys in years 3 to 6 at Jamberoo Public School participated in the weekly event.

There were six teams named after some of the great rugby league clubs of yesteryear: the Adelaide Rams, North Sydney Bears (still playing as South's feeder club in the NSW Premier League), South Queensland Crushers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Hunter Mariners and of course, the Illawarra Steelers.

Each week parents assisted with refereeing some games, and come semi final time the crowds had built up.

Grand final day saw the Rams defeat the Steelers in a thriller, 2-1.

The Rams had the privilege of holding aloft the small but prestigious trophy in front of a big crowd.

Grand final day included Mrs Piggott's spectacular dancers, the national anthem and a barbeque lunch provided by the P&C.

"The competition was easy to organise and, aided by the fact that almost every child participating either plays or has played touch outside of school," Jamberoo Public School's David Burke said.

"Everything took care of itself.

"The children closely followed the Worthy Cup report in the Jamberoo Public School newsletter each week and were always focussed on Friday afternoon.

"It was a positive experience for all students who participated and will likely result in even more children playing next year.

"If so, one can only wonder which of the great Gold Coast club names (Giants, Sea Gulls, Chargers) will appear in the Worthy Cup in 2008."