A BIG contingent of Scone players did the club proud at the NSW Country Junior Rugby Union Championships at Nowra at the weekend.
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Captain Bailey Park, Dan O’Regan, Josh Crowther, Hunter Ryan, Archie Brooker, Cody Grimes, Jimmy White and Charlie Richardson joined coach Warren Park as members of the Central North under-12 squad.
The team entered the tournament seeded sixth out of seven – and came out of the hotly-contested finals placing fourth.
This year more than 50 youngsters trialled for a berth, representing areas such as Narrabri, Scone, Tamworth, Walcha, Inverell, Quirindi and Gunnedah.
The first game was played against Central Coast with Central North prevailing 21-14.
Tries were scored by Joey Fowler (2) and Sid Harvey (1) with Fowler landing three conversions.
Match two was the toughest of all against a significantly larger Illawarra side.
Central North fought hard and bravely lost 36-0.
The last pool encounter was a much easier run against Far North Coast with Central North winning 26-7.
Tries were scored by Tom Clarke (2), Sid Harvey and Toby Mitchell Smith.
Fowler successfully kicked three out of four conversions.
This placed Central North second in the pool, resulting in a showdown with Hunter in the first semi-final.
The fixture was a hotly-contested game with Central North proving dominant over their rivals.
The “locals” entered the fray strongly and surprised an excited and passionate sideline.
The atmosphere was fantastic and the quality of rugby played by both teams outstanding.
And, the sidelines were full with the crowd loving every moment.
Central North was unlucky with a final try disallowed in the 15-14 thriller.
The two five-pointers were set up by Fowler, who also successfully converted both kicks.
The last game for Central North was the play-off for third place against Central West.
With the players struggling to come back from such a disappointing loss in the previous outing, Central West was able to secure a 21-10 victory.
Fowler again starred for Central North.
Central North boasted a solid team of 23 players with all of them remaining strong all day.
The individual skills of each youngster, working hard in their respective positions, made for a great display of rugby.
The forwards toiled hard at gaining the ball and making busts.
Then, some really nice ball work and quick hands made sure the ball was sent out to the backs, who were able to weave their magic.
Five-eighth Fowler scored five tries and successfully converted eight of his 11 kicks.
His ability to read and direct the game was nothing short of outstanding, along with his remarkable kicking skills.
This resulted in him being awarded best back in the tournament.
Team awards were presented to: most consistent - Sid Harvey, most improved forward - Jimmy White, most improved back – Ashton Smith, captain’s award for leadership – Bailey Park, best forward – Lachlan Dietrich, best back – Joey Fowler, players’ player – Jim Brady, most valuable player – Joey Fowler