Perth Gold lustre to rub off in Kalgoorlie

10/7/03
The profile of rugby union in the Goldfields is set for a major boost on Saturday, July 12, when Western Australia's unbeaten State team, the Perth Gold, takes on the Darwin Mosquitoes in Kalgoorlie.
The State Government's Country Sport Enrichment Scheme (CSES) contributed $15,000 towards staging the match, so local players and coaches can benefit from exposure to Australia's premier league for minor rugby States, the Australian Rugby Shield.
Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera said the CSES was all about bringing major sporting events and teams to regional areas to elevate the professionalism of local sport.
"Perth Gold's thrilling brand of open, running rugby will no doubt inspire local teams to adopt their winning formula," Mr Kucera said.
"They have had a spectacularly successful season so far, beating the likes of Queensland Country, Melbourne and NSW Country, to take off the minor premiership."
The Minister also said that in a World Cup year, there was a great opportunity to expand the sport in the region.
"High quality games such as this are needed to capitalise on the growing enthusiasm for rugby union in the Goldfields, where there are five local teams," he said.
"In addition to the game, Rugby WA with CSES funding will also hold a number of clinics to help raise the profile of the sport.
"A number of State players will conduct 'Have-A-Go Rugby' sessions for juniors, to encourage them to take up the sport, while coaching and refereeing clinics will also be conducted to raise the standard of the game in Kalgoorlie.
"Overall, the match represents a marvellous opportunity for sports lovers to witness first hand a great WA team march towards the finals."
The main match will kick off at 3:30pm at the Sir Richard Moore Oval, with the curtain-raiser match between an Eastern Goldfields XV and a Maori XV beginning at 2pm.
Details of events are as follows:
Friday, July 11:
6-9pm Coaching Update Course.
Saturday, July 12:
9am -11am Level 1 Touch Judge Course
11:30am -12:30pm Have-A-Go Rugby
3.30pm - ARS Match Perth Gold vs Darwin Mosquitoes.
Minister's office: 9222 9699