RUGBY

THE Queen of junior rugby in the Whitsundays has stepped down after four prosperous seasons.

Sharron Pratt officially resigned as Whitsunday Junior Raiders' president on the weekend but she will still remain active on the committee.

Pratt, who was nominated for the HSBC Volunteer of the Year in 2014, has been on the committee for more than six years and was a driving force in setting up the now annual Viking Cup.

"We needed games, so I decided to put on the Viking Cup. We asked teams from Townsville to Emerald and it was a one-off thing," she said. "Everyone had a great time and it was great watching kids play. Having under-8s and up playing rugby in one place was a highlight."

Pratt said watching the facilities at the Whitsunday Sportspark improve was also rewarding, but conceded it was time for a new direction.

"I thought it was time to get some fresh vision," she said.

"I will still be the grants officer on the committee and helping in the background, but personal commitments meant that I was having trouble being relied on all the time."

Pratt also endorsed incoming president Jacinta Kearns, who has been involved with the club for several years.

"She'll be excellent. She has knowledge of rugby as a player and administrator, her sons play, her husband played, so I think she'll do great," Pratt said.

"She also has an excellent support network in coaches and on the committee." Pratt thanked "parents, the committee, coaches and players who made my job a pleasure".

In other rugby news, the Whitsunday Raiders will host a sign-on day on Saturday, January 17 from noon. Last year the club claimed the A-grade premiership but this year it is hoping to field teams in B-grade and under-21 competitions.