A friendly rivalry between two of Townsville’s most iconic organisations is set to explode on the sports field this Friday when James Cook University takes on the Army in a major tournament.
The annual “Battle of the Icons” JCU Uni vs Army Games promises plenty of action as teams clash in rugby, basketball, netball, mixed touch football, mixed netball and soccer.
James Cook University Student Association Sport and Recreation manager Jason Conn said the atmosphere was palpable ahead of the Games.
“The Games are one of JCU’s biggest sporting events of the year and we can’t wait to see the passion and rivalry unfold. There’s a lot to play for,” he said.
“These teams never fail to disappoint. The intensity and skill shown by these athletes underscores why the Games are a must-see event for the community.”
Teams competing in basketball, netball, soccer and touch football will vie for a Battle of the Icons Cup, while the traditional JCU Chancellor’s Cup and JCU Commander’s Cup will be up for grabs for the men’s and women’s rugby games respectively.
All games will be held on the same day, with basketball and netball played at Townsville Stadium followed by soccer, mixed touch football and rugby at Joe Baker Field on JCU’s Bebegu Yumba campus.
Army enjoyed the most success at last year’s Games, winning men’s basketball, women’s netball, mixed touch football and men’s rugby, while JCU took out mixed netball and women’s rugby 7s.
Soccer was last year played between JCU and Riverway JCU FC, with Riverway winning the men’s clash and JCU getting the chocolates on penalties in the women’s game.
JCU Chancellor Professor Ngiare Brown said the Games brought together two pillars of the Townsville community.
“Each year the Games draw a healthy but competitive rivalry between JCU and the Army, which highlights our warm relationship,” she said.
“We are proud of our longstanding service to the community and of the legacy we have built over the decades in Townsville and beyond.
“I wish all teams the very best of luck in the Games.”
Commander of the Army’s 3rd Brigade, Brigadier David McCammon said a rivalry was even building amongst his own family ahead of the Games.
“We are very much looking forward to the JCU Uni vs Army Games, although we are a split house with my wife Annaliese working at JCU and me at Lavarack. But I am pretty sure the kids are backing the Army,” he said.
“Teamwork is an intrinsic part of being in the Army and these games are a great opportunity for us to compete as a team.
“It will be a great competition between two titans of the Townsville community so may the best teams win. Go Army!”
Match schedule, Battle of the Icons Uni vs Army Games
Friday, October 13
Townsville Stadium
– 12:00pm: Men’s Basketball
– 1:00pm: Women’s Netball
– 2:00pm: Mixed Netball
Joe Baker Field, JCU
– 4:00pm: Women’s Soccer
– 5:00pm: Men’s Soccer
– 6:00pm: Mixed Touch Football
– 7:00pm: Women’s Rugby 7s
– 7:30pm: Men’s Rugby
