FOR a small club with a new committee, the Rosewood Roosters continue to punch above their proverbial weight.
Two major successes on the same weekend highlighted how those involved with the rugby league club are taking great strides for the future.
A third senior team victory in a row enhanced the Rosewood club’s progress.
Rosewood club officials recently hosted their first Rugby League Ipswich (RLI) Under-7 Gala Day at their Anzac Park fields.
The carnival attracted 22 teams from around the region with more than 30 matches played on four Rosewood fields.
First-time Rosewood club president Jasmine Hassett was delighted with the response despite the chilly conditions and having the original Gala Day postponed for a week.
“It went very smoothly, especially for the first one,” Jasmine said.
“We were fortunate enough to be able to host it.”
She said that as a new committee, it was pleasing the Rosewood club stepped up and showed what they could deliver as a community event.
Roosters officials only found out days before that the Gala Day was going ahead on Sunday.
Visiting clubs included Laidley, Springfield, Goodna, Norths, Redbank, Fassifern, Brothers, Karalee and Lowood.
Rosewood was represented by one under-7 team, who shared in the 15 minute games and received valuable assistance through the Tackle Ready sessions.
The under-7 players were taught proper ways to tackle through the program, as they prepared to progress to next year’s RLI under-8 competition.
At under-7 level, the young players tag each other instead of tackling.
Jasmine was happy to see the players smiling and learning, along with displaying team spirit.
“It was good to see all the clubs involved,” Jasmine said.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the children and everybody got to come together and hopefully made it happen for the children.”
The U7 Gala event was staged a day after the Rosewood Roosters C-Grade senior team achieved their best result of the season.
The Roosters completed their third win, upsetting former competition leaders Laidley 10-4 in tough weather conditions at Blue Gum Reserve.
“It’s a new season for everyone and to come out with the win was icing on the cake,” Jasmine said.
“We had a lot of people say to us: ‘Is that score correct?’
“But at the end of the day, the boys are working together as a team and they are finally gelling together.”
Prop Lachlan McQueen and halfback Jesse Pocock scored tries in the win over Laidley.
The Roosters men had earlier beaten Norths 24-22 and Karalee 24-12.
They made it three wins in a row, beating West End 34-6 in their latest encounter.
Their fourth victory lifted the Roosters within seven points of fourth-placed Laidley.
The next Roosters C-Grade match is back at home – against top two contenders Brothers at Anzac Park on Sunday afternoon.
Jasmine praised head coach Sam Collins and his assistant Josh – her husband – for reviving the club’s senior strength.
“With Sam and Josh, they work very well together,” the club president said.
“So, they are supporting the team and looking at what the future will bring.
“It is later in the season but it sets them up for next year.
“We’ll pretty much have the same boys back, which is great for the club.”
She also acknowledged senior team leaders like Zac Collins, Tobias Roope and Lachlan McQueen for their efforts in encouraging younger Roosters players.
“We are a small club. We are a family club,” Jasmine said.
“A lot of our senior players will get to junior games and help out.”
