Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Coramba based Orara Valley Axemen and their fans enjoy a fiercely competitive rivalry with the Coffs Harbour Comets. The Axemen and the Comets have been battling for the Ken Orr Memorial Shield since its inaugural year, 1989. The shield is considered Group 2 Rugby League's most revered interclub trophy. Going into the 2018 season, the tally stood at Comets 15, Axemen 14. This year, with 15 minutes to go and trailing six to 20, the Axemen came home strong in a nailbiting finish to get the points required to hold the Ken Orr Memorial Shield for the first time in a decade. Congratulations to the coach, Colin Speed, and the 2018 Axemen squad: AJ Gilbert, Alex Bunt, Breeze Fuller, Brenden Downton, Cain Bunt, Clyde Awesq, Christopher Shears, Cody Berry, Denzel Briscoe, Dion Marr, James Bellamy, Jared Roberts, Jedaiah Katal, Joseph Wrigley, Kyle Ackroyd, Liam Dunn, Luke Beaumont, Marley Weller-McCulloch, Michael Hart, Nathan Moran, Nelson Mooney, Rhys Walters, Riley Davey, Ryan Gill, Steven Cetinich, Thomas Hall, Tom Garratt, Troy Robinson and Vincent Williams. The Axemen were a little disappointed with the result of the semifinals but nevertheless had a great season. Well done, Axemen.