Sport
17 June, 2025
Stingers, Raiders still undefeated in Gulf Cluster
The Battle of the Gulf Cluster ramped up in Normanton on Saturday afternoon.
Normanton and Mornington Island continue to be the teams to beat in the Battle of the Gulf Cluster competition, with both the Stingers and Raiders undefeated.
At the second gathering of the rugby league competition at John Henry Memorial Oval on Saturday, Normanton walked away with two wins, while Mornington Island also enjoyed two victories.
The two teams fought out a 6-6 draw when they met in the opening Cluster.
It was an emotional day in the Gulf as teams paused before each game for a minute’s silence after recent deaths in the community.
For Mornington Island, it was a particularly tough day.
Just a week earlier, the Raiders mourned the death of one of their own, a 19-year-old who died in a tragic car accident on the island.
Raiders coach Anthony Saltmere said he had to visit the family of the player to get permission to make the trip to Normanton.
“We didn’t want to be disrespectful so I visited the family and asked what they thought and they said he would have wanted us to play,” the veteran halfback said.
“We then had a training session on the beach and discussed the idea of playing and the majority of the players were supportive.”
A guard of honour was formed for Mornington Island’s first game on Saturday as the players walked onto the field – side by side with their opponents Moungibi – holding the late player’s jersey and a photo of the much-loved character.
The Raiders then went on to win the game 28-4 against the Danggara, with the Burketown-based side struggling with injuries.
Kenneth Jacob scored two tries for the Raiders.
The other highlight of the day was the first clash between the two Doomadgee sides – United and the Dragons – with the older heads of the Dragons prevailing 30-4.
Kowanyama’s return to the competition was also warmly received, although they couldn’t pick up points in their three matches.
In the women’s competition, honours were split with Moungibi and Doomadgee each enjoying a win, while Normanton settled for a draw and a loss.
The next Battle of the Gulf Cluster round will be held in Burketown on July 12.
MEN’S RESULTS
Normanton 22 d Kowanyama 0
Doomadgee United 20 d Kowanyama 12
Normanton 8 d Doomadgee Dragons 6
Mornington Island 28 d Moungibi Danggara 4
Doomadgee Dragons 30 d Doomadgee United 4
Normanton d Moungibi Danggara (forfeit)
Mornington Island 10 d Kowanyama 6
WOMEN’S RESULTS
Moungibi Magawas 18 d Normanton 0
Doomadgee Dragons 12 d Moungibi Magawas 10
Normanton 8 dr Doomadgee Dragons 8
