Miners Kick In For Charity

Illawarra Mercury

Monday July 28, 2008

By ANGELA THOMPSON

ILLAWARRA coalminers have raised more than $2500 for charity in an annual football competition that pits miner against miner.

The Coal Miners Shield Oztag Footy Knockout has served as the official start to the Mt Kembla Mining Festival for the past six years.

It is a much-celebrated chance for area miners to play out friendly rivalries.

Yesterday's closely contested grand final saw the Mastermyne Cowboys usurp last year's victors Dendrobium Blues in a thrilling 7-6 decider.

"It was a very close grand final. Even though it was in good spirits, it was very, very competitive," event organiser Garry Morrissy said.

"There was no love lost between the players."

The Cowboys took the title thanks in part to family ties, with ex-Australian representative and one-time Illawarra captain John Dorahy combining well with sons Dane and Jason.

This year the shield was renamed in honour of former Mt Kembla Mining Heritage Inc chair Cate Stevenson, who died in April after a long battle with cancer.

Money raised will go to the Illawarra Cancer Carers.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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