That’s a wrap; what an inspirational weekend of humble, like minded people from all over the state, coming together for the Waratah State Rugby Sevens Tournament held at Forster Tuncurry.
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Congratulations to the Waratahs, Tom Davidson and Michael Doyle.
For the first time, potentially breaking a world record, 800 boys and girls aged 11-17, plus support crew and staff landed on the shores of the Great Lakes.
From day one, the respect all players showed to fellow players, referees, staff, officials, and the Forster Tuncurry Dolphins was amazing.
With the majority of teams coming from Sydney, the Central Coast, Central West and Mid North Coast, many years of experience and a large pool of kids to select from we knew the competition was going to be strong.
The Lower Mid North Coast, under the guidance of Lee Sullivan, Jim Wilson, Aaron Dodds and Daniel Sawyer fielded a side for the first time ever.
Our under 13s boys showed massive improvement throughout the weekend, growing in stature and confidence on and off the paddock, developing each game, making mates and celebrating footy.
“For the love of rugby, these kids did us all proud today,” coach, Lee Sullivan said.
“They never stopped and there were plenty of smiles. A great bunch of boys. Parents have done a wonderful job, absolute champions."
It’s early days for junior rugby in the region, our boys were taking on 13-year-old opponents standing over 6'2', with some weighing more than 80kgs.
There were a number of standout players in the team. Best clean out went to Brodie Coble, best tackle went to Hamish Wilson, biggest ticker was Dan Bush, and most consistent player went to Jim Lawler.
A massive mention goes to Tye Lumtin and Jye Casey for their development and new found love for the game.
Our boys stayed on their feet because of young superstar Bailey Duffy, consistently positive and batting above his weight.
Congratulations to all our boys and girls over the weekend.
The under 13s Lower Mid North Coast team included Hamish Wilson, Jim Lawler, Price Crane, Lucas Pope, Daniel Bush, Macauley Morris, Ned Bush, Brodie Coble, Dylan George, Bailey Duffy, Tye Lumtin and Jye Casey.
Amazing work was done by Lee Sullivan, Jim Wilson, Aaron Dodds, Dan Sawyer and all parents who helped the children enjoy the game of rugby.
Lower Mid North Coast rugby girls representing the zone included Tahliana Gray, who played with Terrigal.
Tahliana was outstanding, huge in defense and great attacking lines, assisting her team to achieve victory and scoring a massive try.
Courtney Whitby and Bronte Wisely were in the under 17s Mid North Coast Tomahawks. These girls were composed and controlled the game, showing skill above their age to assist the Tomahawks to win the shield in their pool.
Charlotte Maslen played for the Central North junior women’s under 17s side, a sensational young player assisting her team to fifth place in their pool.
What a great weekend for kids’ sport in Forster Tuncurry, to top it all of there were smiles and new friendships everywhere, and local Gloucester girl Courtney Whitby won best and fairest player of the tournament.
This now is a wrap for rugby in the Lower Mid North Coast for 2018.
In coming weeks there will be development opportunities and rugby introduction at majority of schools in the district, leading onto the 2019 junior rugby season, starting in March.
The goal is to have a junior competition played in Forster, Nabiac and Gloucester every Friday night for six to eight weeks with a ten-a-side format.
For more information contact Lee Sullivan, Jim Wilson and Aaron Dodds.
