And after all the buildup the Positive Rugby Foundation 2019 NSW Junior State Championships are over. The culmination of all the selecting, training and pool games has come down to the pointy end of the tournament. The finals in each of the age groups were as follows

🏆U12 – Penrith 19 bt Southern Districts 12

🏆U13 – ACT Brumbies 19 bt Victoria 10

🏆U14 – Gordon 22 bt ACT Brumbies 17

🏆U15 – Penrith 41 bt Northern Suburbs 14

🏆U16 – Warringah 19 bt ACT Brumbies 12

🏆Opens – Hunter 20 bt Eastwood 6

Amongst the many highlights of the tournament we also had two team (Central West & Eastwood U15s) play their match as a curtain raiser for the Waratahs at Bankwest Stadium - a real trat for those involved and great to have the junior games recognized.

This event could not take place without the help and assistance of many.

Firstly I’d like to thank my committee – particularly Gary Paton & Kerry Brady whom were the competition managers and did a whole bunch of work organizing teams, draws, results, venues, rule enquiries etc. And Bert Stenning for all his work developing our website to make it user friendly.

Secondly the host clubs – Camden Rugby (Tony Souter), Maitland Rugby Club (Cam Heazlewood & Katie Stanley), Orange City Junior Rugby / Central West Junior Rugby (Penny Fisher and Deryck Ward), West Harbour Junior Rugby (Phil McCrea & Amanda Babet) and Narrabeen Tigers Junior Rugby Club (Simone Edmonds) clubs – You all did a fantastic job and many thanks to all your wonderful volunteers - I hope the weekend was a success for you and the clubs all managed to raise some funds.

Thirdly a big thanks to our referees and referee coaches – a lot of responsibility falls onto these guys and we certainly could not do this without you guys – a big thanks to you all and once I get all your sizes from Alex Richards a ‘State Champs’ Hoodie will be coming your way.

Lastly to the parents, friends and family that came out to support the boys as they showcased their skills at a Rep level. I’m sure you are all proud and I’d like to thank you for the way you all conducted yourselves and supported in the right spirit. The weekend went by with no major incidents and the “respect Rugby” theme was front and centre at all the venues.

It would also be remiss of me not to thank the staff and players from NSWRU that came out to support the juniors on their biggest weekend of the year. Plus to our naming rights major sponsor the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation (thanks Greg & Kate). Also to Genesis Proprietary Trading Pty Ltd, Estilo Sports Travel and Gilbert Rugby Australia/New Zealand & Orange City Council – your support means that we can provide these opportunities for our junior players and we thank you sincerely.

Till next year for most – but some will be moving on the Rep pathway to Regionals or City vs Country matches. Good luck

‍