THE Stanthorpe Lightning Under 13 Boys Oztag team travelled to Kawana Waters last Friday to compete in the annual Qld Oztag State Championships.

This was the first time the local Stanthorpe club had participated in this carnival.

A total of 147 junior teams played over the three days in the various age groups and divisions.

This trip provided valuable experience for the players, coach and manager thanks to the high standard of skills and abilities of other Queensland regions.

Stanthorpe Lightning played in Pool C of the Under 13 boys.

There were three finalists in this pool.

The boys had one draw and five losses.

All except one game was reasonably close, considering this was their first carnival.

The warm and windy weather and playing teams with enough players for two teams in each, worked against them in the end.

Michael Carmody received the Best and Fairest Award for the team.

He had a wonderful tournament in defence and attack. Jake Burnell, Kye Watson and Hamish Cole also stood out over the weekend.

The State selectors certainly took notice of the Stanthorpe boys and Queensland State of Origin Teams will be announced in a couple of weeks.