Finalists Pairs: D Tomba, G Wright, E Piotto & L DiBella

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(Contributed with thanks by Elsa Piotto)

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GSMC students with their Confraternity Carnival jerseys. Photo supplied

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A brand new initiative has been introduced by the Gilroy Santa Maria College (GSMC) Rugby League program, with their 14–15-year-old rugby league players travelling to Townsville recently to take part in the inaugural GSMC “Emerging Confro” Development Day.  

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The event was designed by Gilroy Rugby League staff to give the younger boys in the program the opportunity to experience what a day at the Confraternity Carnival feels like, playing two games and touring professional sporting organisations.  

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The Confraternity Carnival is now the largest school rugby league carnival in Australia with well over 60 schools involved. Only Gilroy Santa Maria College and St Teresa's College currently represent the Hinchinbrook Shire.  

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GSMC has proudly competed in the annual Confraternity Carnival for the past 30 years, building on a legacy of rugby league at the college that stretches back to the late 1940s.  

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The day started with the GSMC boys hearing from Gilroy “Old Boy” Peter Duffy (1980 School Captain, Dux, 1st XIII rugby league captain and father of Brisbane Bronco Tom Duffy) sharing his pride in the college, urging the boys to take on leadership opportunities at the college and presenting the jerseys to the playing group.

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The squad then had the opportunity to tour the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys training facilities and hear from the Townsville Blackhawks Strength & Conditioning coach about starting conditioning programs and how nutrition can help boost their performance. GSMC wishes to thank both organisations for hosting and allowing the boys an exclusive behind the scenes opportunity.

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On the field, the squad had two terrific "Confro" length games against fellow Confraternity Carnival schools - Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale and Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan.  

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The future of GSMC Confraternity is looking bright and the college is excited for the 2026 Carnival in Brisbane and will continue to develop their emerging squad of 14-15 years towards the 2027 carnival on the Gold Coast.

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Contributed with thanks by Annan Whittington, Gilroy Santa Maria College Sports Coordinator.

Photos supplied with thanks by Jim Anderson

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The 2026 Taylors Beach Fishing Tournament attracted 284 anglers across the weekend, including an impressive 97 junior competitors and 37 family teams, highlighting the event's strong family focus and popularity with some outside the region travelling to participate.

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A major attraction of the tournament was the $1,650 Garmin lucky door prize giveaway. The Friday prize was won by Kartia Hankin, Saturday's prize went to Aimee Young, and Josh Lannen took home the Sunday draw.

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Competition was strong across a range of fishing categories with the winners:

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Family Bag Total Length: Hillier Family (901cm)  

Individual Bag Total Length: Evie Cavanagh (904cm)  

Jack Length: Jenna Juides (45.5cm)  

Grunter Length: Evie Cavanagh (53.5cm)  

Barra Length: Jason Smith (65cm)  

Whiting Length: Emma Clarke (36cm)  

Trevally Length: Shaun Cavanagh (63.5cm)  

Bream Length: Jack Kenny (36.5cm)  

Flathead Length: Claudia Jefferies (69cm)  

Crab Weight: Jack Kenny (1,226g)

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The tournament's largest category was Bream Length, with 97 fish submitted. Tournament organisers thanked all anglers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the event another successful weekend on the water.

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See all the photos from the event here:

Part 1: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/taylors-beach-fishing-tournament-2026-reels-in-big-winners-part-1

Part 2: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/taylors-beach-fishing-tournament-2026-reels-in-big-winners-part-2

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Special thanks were extended to Shadeview, Garmin, Air Cool Industries, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Tyrepower Ingham, Anaconda, J&B Marine, Global Signs, Bisson's, TT Coatings, Ingham Toyota, Logilytics, Seabourne Electronics, Timrith, Tackle World, McDonald's, Elders Insurance Ingham, MAMS Group, Townsville Marine, Ray White Ingham, Guido's Panel & Paint, Mick's Bread Kitchen, Wayne Forden, Hinchinbrook Bus Service, Cosca, Advanced Aqua Blasting, Felix Reitano, Rupps, NQ Garages & Sheds, Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy, Lahtinen Electrical, Mario Leonardi, John White Crash Repairs, Duffy's Auto Electrical, Ingham Agencies, Firmi, BCF, Repco, Coles, Tropixx Motel, Mitre 10 Ingham Manufacturers, Cantatore's Pharmacy, DeviettiMotors, Russo & Vella, TDC, Taylors Beach Holiday Park, Lower Herbert Blue Light, Ingham Irrigation, Herbert Valley Motel, Performance Physio, Ingham Motorcycles & Mowers, Mitre 10 Canegrowers, Dametto Farming, Lower Herbert Lions Club and Crab N Gear for their generous sponsorship and donations supporting the tournament.

Celebrating a belated and cheerful Mother’s Day. Photo credit: Jennifer

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On Thursday, 28th May, Norma Evans was crowned the winner of the 2026 Championship Singles title.

In other news from the Ingham Bowls Club, 48 players took to the green on Saturday, 24th May to celebrate a belated Mother’s Day gathering honouring mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and mums of furry friends.

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The men put on a delicious barbecue lunch and sweets following play, helping make the day a wonderful social occasion for all involved.

It was also fantastic to welcome players from Balgal Beach Bowls Club to join in the celebrations.

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Palm Creek #127 – 36 participants

Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:43)
Final finisher: Julie Mac Pherson (56:22)
PBs: 5 | First timers: 7
Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Sandra Coco, Donna Panzenbock, Paula Rand, Julie Mac Pherson, V Velton

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Cardwell #388 – 16 participants

Fastest time: Jake Ball (20:08)
Final finisher: Anita Davina (48:58)
First timers: 2
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Eva Garde, Jan Ferguson, David Clarke, Anita Davina, Jake Ball, Kerry Snell

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Photo sourced from the Palm Creek Parkrun facebook page

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Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club came together on Saturday night for its Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation, celebrating the close of another successful season and recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of its members.

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Held during National Volunteers Week, the evening carried extra significance, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in the ongoing success of the club.

Club members, families, and supporters gathered to acknowledge excellence across all areas of the organisation, from junior nippers through to senior and master competitors, as well as patrol and service contributions.

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Award recipients for the season included:

Nipper Junior Female Club Champion: Thea Higgs
Nipper Junior Male Club Champion: Slade Higgs
ipper Senior Male Club Champion: Antwoine Schlapfer
Special Mentions (Surf Sports): Evie Gibson & Thomas Martin
Junior Club Person of the Year: Stephen Hall
Nipper Encouragement Awards: Mackenzie Scobie & Thain Wilson
U17 Club Champion: Leshawn Bann
Open Club Champion: Mike Waia
Masters Club Champion: Michael Chiesa
Jason Callow Memorial “Club Spirit” Award: Wendell Bowen
Most Patrol Hours (Male): Michael Biasi
Most Patrol Hours (Female): Helen Stanton
Dedication to the Club Award: Keith & Nicole Amos
Club Person of the Year: Michael Biasi
Vigilance & Service Award: Lenny Chiesa & Helen Stanton
Life Membership: Helen Stanton & Melissa Hall

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The club also proudly recognised its newest Life Members, Helen Stanton and Melissa Hall, for their exceptional dedication, commitment, and long-standing service to Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

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Helen Stanton has been a member for 12 years, joining when her daughters became nippers. Over time she has become one of the club’s strongest advocates, contributing extensively as an active patrolling member and through a wide range of leadership roles including Director of Surf Sports, Chief Training Officer, Junior Activities Chair, Grants Officer and Secretary. Her ongoing commitment has had a lasting impact on both the club and its members. Helen’s contribution has been strongly supported by her husband Luke, also an active patrolling member, with both playing an important role in supporting the club on and off the beach.

Melissa Hall also has deep family ties to the club, with her parents Lenny and Pam Chiesa both Life Members. One of five siblings who began as nippers, Melissa went on to represent Forrest Beach at branch, state and national levels and was crowned the 2005 Queensland Summer Surf Girl, serving as an ambassador for Surf Life Saving Queensland. She continues her involvement today as an active patrolling member, Junior Activities Chair and Publicity Officer, with her five children also now involved in the club.

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Together, Helen and Melissa have played a significant role in the growth and strength of the club, with Melissa’s achievement marking a unique milestone for the Chiesa family, with her parents Lenny and Pam Chiesa also being Life Members of the club.

Life Memberships were presented by Life Member Billy Johnson and Club President Scott Gibson.

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The club extended its congratulations to all award recipients and expressed sincere appreciation to all members, families, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to a successful season. A special acknowledgment was also given to the Executive Committee for their ongoing behind-the-scenes work.

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club now looks forward to the next season with enthusiasm and pride in its strong community and volunteer base.

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(Contributed with thanks by Melissa Chiesa)

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For more photos click here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/forrest-beach-slsc-annual-dinner-celebrates-outstanding-season-and-honours-life-members

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Thank you for your assistance in helping Ingham Social Darts as they put forward a team of 10 players to take part in "The Golden Nugget" tournament held annually in December at Tennant Creek NT.

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We are very proud that our players are going to participate and represent Ingham at this prestigious dart sporting event.

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The costs associated with making this happen are considerable and we are hopeful that local Ingham businesses may sponsor our team. Any sponsorship given would be very much appreciated and be recognised by our players at this event.

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Should anyone like further information, please contact Scott on 0473 217160.

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We hope to do Ingham proud.

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Photo credited and supplied: Upper Stone QCWA Facebook page.

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By Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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Over the weekend of Friday, 27^th and Saturday, 28^th March 2026, a total of 400 people gathered at the historic Upper Stone QCWA Hall for the inaugural Sooty Grunter Fishing Classic.

When a couple of young local fellows came up with the idea over a few beers the Upper Stone QCWA committee ran with it, seeing it as an opportunity to host a family orientated weekend. With 189 nominations, both adults and children, the committee thinks, “We got that bit right!”

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The competition began with the sign-in on Friday at the Upper Stone QCWA Hall. Those who had nominated signed a waiver and collected their custom brag mat. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol and Biosecurity Queensland spoke with anglers about responsible fishing and protecting Queensland waterways from invasive freshwater pests. Not everybody raced away to start fishing! Many stayed on for the bar and food under the stars.  

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Together with supporters and guests, competitors were back Saturday to submit the measurements and photos of their longest catch. A great night was had with the hall packed for the announcements of the winners of each category. A perpetual trophy was awarded and will record the major winners for years to come.  

Thanks to the enormous support of the Ingham community there were many quality prizes to be won in the various categories of catch as well as in raffles. Even much of the delicious food was possible because of donations. The pig-on-a-spit was the hit of the night. Furthermore, community members were unstinting in their generosity of time and labour to make both evenings of the competition run smoothly. The generosity was so overwhelming that, “It would be impossible to thank everyone and not miss someone,” said the committee.

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Two major sponsors, however, were Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council through the Community Grants Program. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Wilmar every competitor in the Inaugural Sooty Grunter Classic received a brag mat. The mats not only looked fantastic but kept all the fishing stories honest! The donation also enabled the purchase of commemorative stubby coolers. Through the Community Grants Program the Upper Stone QCWA was able to purchase much-needed new tables for the event and a projector to showcase all the great catches and the winners.  

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There was a lot of trial and error in bringing this inaugural Sooty Grunter Classic to reality, but the enormous success of the event has guaranteed a repeat with Friday 9^th to Saturday 10th April 2027 already locked in for the next Classic.

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Sooty Grunter Classic Results

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KIDS SECTION (12 years & under)

LONGEST CATCH 1st Kaydan Walsh; 2nd Colton Wheatley; 3rd Flynn Oats

SMALLEST CATCH: Levi Bona

BIGGEST SOOTY GRUNTER 1st Jewel Crisp; 2nd Reese Heely; 3rd James Blanco

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ADULTS SECTION

BIGGEST JUNGLE PERCH (Kids or adults) Briannan Pace

LONGEST CATCH Champion: Lachlan Curry; Runner up: Corbin Bartolini

BIGGEST SOOTY GRUNTER Champion: Lloyd Berger; Runner up: Chanel Crisp

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Sooty Grunter Classic Biggest Sooty Grunter perpetual shield overall winner:

Jewel Crisp with a 43.9cm sooty

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Kirra Royle - 77cm Barramundi Photo supplied

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The total number of catches over the two days is; Barramundi 320, Javelin 11, Trevally 69, COD 62, Salmon 4, Flathead 16, Snapper 2, Mangrove Jack 65, Bream 6, Queenfish 17.

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Champion Angler Flathead - Brian Long, Team 20, Knot Reel, with 2 fish and 103 points
Champion Angler Bream - Duane Gibson, Team 7, Red Eyes, with 1 fish and 36 points
Champion Angler Estuary COD - Reece Burgess, Team 40, Luke Falzon, with 4 fish and 187 points
Champion Angler  Javelin Fish - Brenden Reid, Team 38, Hoey Hongys, with 2 fish, 124 points
Champion Angler Salmon - Glen Kerr, Team 45, The Bananas, with 1 fish, 105 points
Champion Angler Queenfish - Fischer Richards, Team 30, Fischn Freaks, with 9 fish and 546 points
Champion Angler Trevally - Bobby Holman, Team 40, ACM Rods/SHP Construction, with 5 fish and 302 points
Champion Angler Fingermark - Damon Cockburn, Team 21, Bleeks, with 1 fish and 55 points
Champion Angler Mangrove Jack - Luke Hubert, Team 18, Poverty Pack, with 8 fish and 475 points

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Female Champion Angler - Kirra Royle, Team 31, Hunter Gatherers, with 12 fish and 2519.3 points
Female Runner-Up Angler - Jessie Gabiola, Team 1, Gift of the Gabs, with 13 fish and 1768.6 points

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Junior Champion Angler - Fischer Richards, Team 30, Fischn Freaks, with 12 fish and 671 points
Junior Runner-Up Angler - Jacob Katthagen, Team 26, Woo Ssh, with 7 fish, and 651 points

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Champion Team - Kyle Coburn & Jaxon Gallagher, Team 13, Ginge & Chunk, with 15 fish and 6550.5 points
Runner-Up Team - Damon Cockburn & Scott Gibson, Team 12, Bleeks, with 20 fish and 6275.6 points

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Champion Angler - Rhyce Bullimore, Team 40, ACM Rods/SHP Construction, with 12 fish and 3,760.6 points
Runner-Up Angler - Andrew Gleeson, Team 58, Team Randy, with 17 fish and 3730.6 points

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Champion Angler Barramundi - Rhyce Bullimore, Team 40, ACM Rods/SHP Construction, with 14 fish and 4405 points
Runner-Up Angler Barramundi  - Kyle Coburn, Team 13, Gunge & Chunk, with 9 fish and 3702.6 points
Biggest Barramundi (Overall) 107cm  - Jaxon Gallagher, Team 13, Ginge & Chunk

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Photos sourced from Cardwell & Palm Creek Parkrun Facebook pages

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Palm Creek #126 – 52 participants
Fastest time: Carter Hague (19:15)
Final finisher: Charlie Krumin and Kelly Krumin (59:05)
PBs: 18 | First timers: 2
Volunteers: Ted Cogger, Lynda Amisano, Samantha Neitz, Matteo Mancuso, Kelly Krumin, Steven Veltmeyer

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Cardwell #387 – 25 participants
Fastest time: Luke Tamblyn (22:51)
Final finisher: Jake Ball (51:57)
PBs: 5 | First timers: 6
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Eva Garde, Jan Ferguson, Bruce Boland, Dave Ball, Jake Ball, Kellie Ball

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Photos supplied by Donna Macarone.

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By Peter Reitano

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The Herbert River Crushers played their first home games of the season on Sunday hosting Western Lions. At the beginning of the A-Grade game the Crushers were sitting in 4th and the Lions in 5th position.

The Crushers were first on the boarding the 17th minute after a large cutout pass from Mitch Seri to winger Evandah Bann crossed out wide untouched. The lead was short-lived as Lions crossed for a converted try in 22nd minute with a converted try.

The Crushers hit back when fullback and captain Dylan Gaggiano passed back inside to Crushers new signing frontrower Trent Veukiso who in turn flicked the ball back to hooker Kurtis Solari who carried a couple of defenders over the line.  With Gaggiano's conversion the Crushers were up 10 - 6.

The Lions responded with a converted to be up 12 - 10 with 7 minutes to go in the first half. After a Lions restart error, the Crushers were awarded a penalty in front of the posts Gaggiano kicked the penalty to level the scores 12 all at halftime.

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The second half was an end to end battle before Lions scored a converted try with 13 minutes to go. With just under 10 minutes to go Crushers centre Kyle Stewart stepped through to score & with Gaggiano's conversion the scores were locked at 18 all.

Lions scored a converted try with just over 3 minutes to go and then a consolation try that was converted with Lions running out winners 30 - 18.

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Coach Todd Cockburn said "We just put ourselves under too much pressure in the first half and with ill-discipline, penalties, 6 agains and losing 2 outside backs we just couldn't recover.  Kyle Stewart was outstanding and was clearly named Player's Player. We put ourselves in a position to win with 5 minutes to go, but unfortunately we ran out of gas".

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The Reserve Grade teams were at the bottom of the ladder but looking to make a surge up it with games they had played being close finishes. Western Lions had gotten up 12 - 0 before the 24th minute when front rower Matty Chiesa carried a couple of defenders over the line wide out to be down 12 - 4. Lions then scored another try to go up 18 - 4 followed by a field goal just as the halftime hooter sounded to lead 19 - 4 at halftime.

The Crushers came back hard in the second half with tries to five eighth Tremayne Priestley, winger Sam Akiba and centre Jerramaine Nean to see the score 19 - 16 with 12 minutes to go.

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Both teams lost players to the sin bin with each finishing with 10 players. Unfortunately, the Crushers could not overcome the last 3 points & the Lions held on for the win.

Coach Matty Chiesa said "This was our first game at home with some new players not having met each other - some were still shaking hands meeting each other before the game. Everyone put in effort, but discipline with the ball was an issue. Giving away penalties on first tackles and all their possession was an issue. It was a great effort against the top 4 side and particularly only losing by 3 points. It's a tough one to swallow. They didn't score a point in the second half and we didn't kick a goal to get the win, but we scored more tries.  It makes it pretty frustrating, but we will just keep turning up and with more time together we'll be better at the back end of the season".

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Similar to the A-Grade team the Under 19s started their game in 4th with the Lions in 5th.

Fresh from turning 17 and becoming eligible for senior rugby league, St Teresa’s product Brodie Foote took no time to stamp his authority as a strike outside back. The young centre scored three tries to help the u19s to a dominant 58-0 win over Western Lions.

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Other stand out performers were centre Antonio Eseli, who also scored three tries, fresh from his AGrade debut lock Fred Pearson was dominant and was supported by the ever reliable quartet of hooker Connor Matsen, centre Riley Morris, five eighth Hezzy Nona and halfback Aiden Stedman.

Coach Annan Whittington said that, "As a group the young men had set themselves a goal of using this middle part of the season (4 games) against clubs in a similar position on the ladder, to carve out some wins and set up the rest of the season.”  

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The boys now prepare as best as they can with a disrupted week, with the St Teresa’s boys playing in the Blackhawks Schoolboy Trophy semi final on Tuesday, before the young Crushers make their way to the Burdekin for a Friday night match up.

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The Crushers next 6 games will be at home and their next full round will see the Crushers host the Burdekin Roosters in Ingham on Saturday, 6th June which is also Ladies Day.

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Two rounds of the Championship Pairs were played this week, with the scores reflecting the quality of bowls on display throughout the matches.

D. Tomba and G. Wright recorded a convincing 25-5 win over M. Spano and M. Moore, while L. DiBeella and E. Piotto also secured a strong victory, defeating N. Mammerella and M. Qwen 25-4.

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In social play, D. Bull, J. Bell, J. Johnson and J. Casanovas defeated T. Arkink, R. Horton, B. Eddleston and J. Fenoglio 17-13. A. Foti, T. Rhodes, L. Melvin and N. Evans also came away with a win, defeating I. Byrns, K. Rotondo, J. Craven and S. Ryan 18-14.

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Attention now turns to next week, with the A Grade Singles Final set to be contested between J. Craven and N. Evans.

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(Contributed with thanks by the Ingham Ladies Bowls Club)

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Division 1: Curtis from Charter Towers winner, Chelsea runner up no photo. Photo supplied

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By Marley Abeleven & Victoria Velton

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Three Ingham juniors achieved placings at the 2026 Ingham JDS Tennis Tournament held on Saturday, 16^th May, highlighting the strong local talent on display throughout the day. The event was proudly supported by Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Cheapa Auto Spares, while the tournament also relied on the support of volunteers and officials who dedicated their time to ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Among those contributing behind the scenes was Division 1 winner Gordon Scott, who also serves as one of the officials helping run the event and supporting local tennis development.

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Held at the Ingham Tennis Association Courts, the tournament was packed with young players, supportive families, competitive matches, and enough energy to make even non-tennis people watch with excitement.

One of the best parts of the day was seeing how seriously everyone took their games, even the younger players. Some of the junior orange ball players looked like tiny professional athletes in the making. With every point clearly mattering, every serve carrying importance and every player giving it their absolute best.

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What stood out the most was the sportsmanship. Win or lose, players still shook hands, encouraged each other and got back out there for the next match. There were moments of disappointment after lost points, but also excitement, determination and strong support from families watching from the sidelines.

The atmosphere around the courts was described as something special. Parents, grandparents, coaches and friends all turned out to support the players, proving that sport in a small town is about much more than simply winning.

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It was also noted how much effort volunteers and organisers put into making the tournament happen, with events like this requiring significant work behind the scenes.

Overall, the Ingham JDS tournament was described as fun, competitive, inspiring and a reminder that Hinchinbrook has some seriously talented young athletes coming through the ranks.

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Palm Creek parkrun – Friday, 16th May 2026

Palm Creek parkrun #125 – 58 participants
Fastest time: Nathan Venturato (19:01)
Final finisher: Donna Marbelli (52:38)
PBs: 13
First-timers: 7
Volunteers: Julie Mac Pherson, Sandra Coco, Courtney Lee, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Marbelli

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Cardwell parkrun – Friday, 16th May 2026

Cardwell parkrun #386 – 16 participants
Fastest time: Jake Ball (20:52)
Final finisher: Leisa Holden (49:44)
PBs: 2
First-timers: 4
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Jake Ball, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Leisa Holden, Dave Ball
Special mentions: Congratulations to Bruce on 25 parkruns and to Dave who completed his 300th run at Cardwell.

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Photos sourced from Cardwell Parkrun’s Facebook page

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By Peter Reitano

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The Herbert River Crushers travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on the 2 ladder leaders in both A-Grade and Reserve Grade. It was always going to be a big job for both teams to defeat the ladder leaders.

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The A-Grade side were taking on the team that had won the last 2 premierships and were currently undefeated this season.

It was a tight tussle in the first 10 minutes before Souths scored 2 tries.

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At the 33rd minute and after sustained pressure from the Crushers centre, Kyle Stewart, carried a couple of defenders over the line to score and with captain and five-eighth Dylan Gaggiano's conversion, Souths were up 10 - 6, and that was how it stayed until halftime.

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Souths scored 2 tries to go ahead 22 - 6 with 20 minutes go. Stewart then crossed out wide, and winger Junior Dau caught a quick pass from centre Ben Campagnolo, to run 30 metres to score. With Gaggiano's conversion, they were down by 6.

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The Crushers did their best to even the scores, but unfortunately, gave away a penalty in front of the posts with a minute to go, and Souths closed out the match 24 - 16.

The Reserve Grade were playing a side that had only lost 1 game so far this season and it was made harder for them by only having 15 players.  Souths had jumped out to a lead of 16 - 0 before winger Sam Akiba scored. With fullback Hezekiah Nona’s conversion, the Crushers were down by 10.

Souths scored 2 more tries to lead 24 - 6 at halftime. Souths then scored another try to lead 28 - 6.

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The Crushers then scored a try when front rower Matty Chiesa put a kick back inside for Nona to score a try that he converted. Hooker, Keith Kyle, who was backing up after going off injured last weekend, darted over from dummy half to score under the posts. With Nona's conversion, the Crushers were down 28 - 18 with time running out and that was the final score.

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Both teams had done well against the competition heavyweights.

The Crushers play their first home games of the season this Sunday against Western Lions.

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(Photos supplied by Sarah Castles)

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