Palm Island Netball & Rugby Challenge

Highlights from the 2023 Obe Geia Rugby Challenge, and Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge on Palm Island.

On Friday 26 March, The Cathedral School Junior Rugby & Netball teams boarded the ferry to Palm Island to participate in the Obe Geia (Rugby), and Kathy Tarpaulin (Netball) Challenge.

The rugby team played four games, coming away with one win, and were competitive in the other three, showing pleasing development among the players as the day progressed.

With the return of the Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge, Rebecca Bullock’s team proudly came home with the shield, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.

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‘Our Year 6 Netball Academy team travelled to Palm Island to compete in the Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge. This is the first time this competition has run for several years, so it was wonderful to be back playing netball in this beautiful place on their brand-new netball courts. The team received a warm welcome from Palm Island elders and the wider community. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun – our girls embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly and immersed themselves in the experience, connecting with local players and spectators, and getting involved in all they could, including leading the Macarena during the lunch break.

On the court, our girls shone brightly. They played five hard-fought games across the day and finished undefeated. In the pool crossover, we defeated St Josephs The Strand and then in the Grand Final, we faced the local favourite and very talented Bwgcolman Community School team. In front of a large, vocal crowd, our girls had a tough battle on their hands but remained composed and played some outstanding netball across the entire court, snatching themselves a 2-point victory. The team was beyond proud to be the 2023 winners of this special event, which is not just about netball but about connection and reconciliation. Overall, it was a brilliant day with our players coming home victorious but more importantly with many treasured memories. Special thanks go to the event organisers, sponsors and officials, the Palm Island elders and community for welcoming us, and the recently re-established Palm Island Netball Association for hosting. We look forward to returning next year.’

Rebecca BullochNetball Coordinator

Photography by Michael Porter and Rebecca Bulloch.

Palm Island Netball & Rugby Challenge

Highlights from the 2023 Obe Geia Rugby Challenge, and Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge on Palm Island.

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