Torres Strait islanders battle it out in annual league cup on Thursday Island

By Sharnie Kim October 19, 2014, 2:27 pm

Hundreds of Torres Strait Islanders have converged on Thursday Island for the biggest event on the region's sporting calendar.

The Zenadth Kes or Torres Strait Cup draws teams from several island communities each year, with some players arriving on dinghies to take part.

Seven men and three women teams have been battling through the ferocious heat of the day and into the night at the Ken Brown Memorial Oval since Friday.

Each tackle threw up plumes of dust and the relentless wind buffeted the the palm trees along the waterfront and gazebos around the field, where fans took shelter.

The fierce contest has seen local councillors pit their strength and skill against current and former NRL players including Timana Tahu and Travis Waddell.

So far two players have been taken from the field by ambulance suffering ankle and neck injuries.

But every match has ended with both sides forming a circle, interlocking arms, cheering for their opponent and celebrating unity and islander culture.

James Livok Ronson, 26, has travelled from Sydney to play for the Badu Island side Kulpiyam.

"It's good to see all the islands come in as one and this is our culture so this is what we do, we come here for football and have big family gatherings. It's just a privilege. Makes you feel good to be a Torres Strait Islander," he said.

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Torres Strait islanders battle it out in annual league cup on Thursday Island