IMPRESSIVE CARNIVAL DEBUTS
FOR METRO NORTH

Townsville Opens 1998

New region Metropolitan North proved dominant in their Opens debut at Townsville. Their healthy winning margin over Darling Downs saw them ranked fourth and alive in the contest for the major championship. Downs’ loss relegated them to ninth ranking and the Consolation Cup play-offs.

With powerhouse performances over the next two days, Metro North shaped as a major threat to defending champions Northern. However Peninsula disposed of the host region in the Saturday semi-final at Malanda Stadium, setting the stage for an engrossing clash with Metro North in Sunday's final.

The teams fought out a thrilling finish, with Metro North pulling back a large margin to threaten Peninsula close to full time. But the Whybird boys held on to claim the title.

                           Kingaroy 15 Years 1998

Northern region claimed the 15 Years championship trophy at Kingaroy, their hard-fought victory over new region Metro North in the final concluding a most impressive carnival for the Townsville boys.

Like their senior compatriots at Townsville a week earlier, Metro North impressed in their first appearance at the championships, their brilliant five-eighth Dane Campbell deservedly named player of the carnival.

Defending champions of the past two years, Peninsula, were ousted from title contention when beaten 22-10 by Metro North in the semi finals.

The next day Capricornia enjoyed a little get square over Peninsula, handing them a 32-4 caning in the playoff for 3rd. Last year the roles were reversed, Peninsula downing the Capras in the final to claim their second title.

Sunshine Coast claimed the minor championship and fifth placing, Metro West in ninth spot won the Consolation Trophy, and with their loss to North West on the Sunday, South West took home the dreaded wooden spoon.

metro north: a family affair
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