JUNIOR teams from around the State converged at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium last week to take part in a three-day carnival of rugby.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The organisers of the Coffs Challenge, the NSW Waratahs, had a simple message of ‘Let the kids play’ and embrace the core values of the game of rugby of Inclusion, respect, pride and accountability.
Sending teams from the area was all a part of the strategic plan undertaken to form a junior rugby union competition in 2019.
Under the direction of Junior coordinator for the Lower Mid North Coast, Lee Sullivan, and Waratah development officer Tom Davidson, two local teams were entered, a 10s and a 12s.
Players were sought from the feeder areas of Gloucester, Forster, Taree and Nabiac. This was on the back of the programs run in schools. Training took place at the Wallamba Bulls home ground in Nabiac.
Girls and boys were put through their paces under coaches Lee Sullivan, Jim Wilson and Daniel Sawyer. The aim, to teach them the basics of the game and a major focus on enjoyment.
“The players loved learning and taking part in the sessions. What has been impressive is the support from the area,” Sullivan said.
Over the carnival the teams took part in eight games and although they were lacking experience this did not diminish the way they played. Some free flowing and highly competitive matches were seen and defence was a highlight.
“Wow, some of these kids can play the game. I can’t believe how well they defend. My team never gave up. Great effort from all the players. They certainly displayed a real hunger out there,” Sullivan said.
Taking on teams who play in competition and train weekly, the local coaches came away from the carnival excited with the talent on display.
“I was very impressed with the quality of the (local) players. Considering they do not play in a weekly competition. The team was outstanding,” Sawyer said.
The U12s went through the challenge without losing a game and the U10s managed to improve each day and finish the carnival with a great result against St Augustine’s.
Players to stand out for their respective teams were in U12s Hamish Wilson, Ned Bush, Macauley Morris and Dylan George, and in the U10s Tanaka Gray, Noah Dodds, Mason Bending and Jackson Jay.
The future for rugby is on the up in the Lower Mid North Coast. With the introduction of the Women’s Rugby Competition the game has never been better. The work being done by Tom Davidson and Kirsty Schumaker, the Waratahs development officers, is instrumental to this continued growth.
