Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/01/27/runaway-winners-australia-day-dunny-race-ettamogah/
By Mark Bode
Picture by John Mccutcheon
MANY pundits have already written off Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles’ Queensland Cup chances this year, but yesterday the club showed it may be premature to flush its 2011 season down the toilet.
The Sea Eagles, who have endured a spate of player departures after recently severing ties with NRL feeder club Manly, are the new dunny race champions of the Sunshine Coast.
The club fielded two sides in the annual Australia Day event at the Ettamogah Pub at Palmview, with its No.2 team beating its No.1 team in the final and collecting the $1000 first prize.
The club’s dominant showing on what was described as a “fun day with good spirit” brought an end to Australian rules club Maroochy Northshore Roos’ three-year title reign at the event.
The Sea Eagles No.2 side – Rowan Klein, Joe Meninga, Campbell Stewart, Logan Gee and jockey Michelle Michael – beat the Roos in the semi-final.
Sea Eagles chief executive Justin Veivers said he hoped the showing was a good omen for the coming season.
“We’re building a new team. There are a whole lot of new guys, so it’s a good way to get everyone together and have a great time on Australia Day,” he said.
“We felt it was an ideal way to start the season.
“We’ve won one trophy this year – we’ll have to chase some others.”
The club’s No.1 team at the event consisted of Dario Esposito, Alex Simpson, Jye Ballinger and Cameron Sullivan.
In all, eight corporate teams competed in the dunny races, while there were about 50 ute show entrants.
The organiser, Aussie World marketing manager Melinda Haeusler, described the day as “absolutely brilliant”.
Last Modified on 28/01/2011 12:45