Sydney v Country junior rugby 2023: Standouts, how every team went in our result wrap, photo gallery
There were big hits, blockbusting runs, last-minute tries and upsets as NSW's best teen rugby talent turned it on at the annual Sydney v Country tournament. Stars, result wrap, photo gallery
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There were close calls, upsets, explosions of blistering pace, heartbreak and hard hits as the best teenage talent in NSW rugby hit the field in Maitland for the annual Sydney v Country junior rugby tournament.
And they didn’t disappoint with new talent emerging, established stars performing and the crowd on its feet repeatedly as the young guns of the sport gave their all.
A total of seven games were played across the boys and girl’s competitions, starting with the under 14 girls and boys up to the under 18s boys and girls matches.
And there was plenty at stake for the youngsters who were selected in the Sydney and County teams and have been working towards the day for weeks.
NSW Waratahs selectors from both the girls and boys programs were on hand, monitoring the performance of all matches with a view to the future.
SEVENS GUNS TO WATCH AT COMM YOUTH GAMES
For most of the young guns, however, it was about doing their team and supporters proud – no matter the end result.
We were at Maitland for the event showcasing the rising stars of the sport with photographer Julian Andrews catching some of the sensational action from every match played.
UNDER 18 GIRLS
As expected one of the most anticipated matches of the day was a close one.
With Country claiming a one point win a year ago there was plenty to play for in this girls match-up.
And neither side disappointed to the obvious delight of the fans.
Despite having to make four late changes due to injury in the lead-up, it was Country who took this win in a great reward for their tenacity.
Locked at 10-10 until deep in the second half, Country were rewarded for their patience with a try which delivered them the 15-10 win.
Standouts for Country in the match included Charlotte Rienecker from Hunter in the front row, Emily Marsh, also from Hunter, and Bronte Wilson from Illawarra.
Wilson was last year also a standout at the event which helped her catch the eye of the Waratahs women’s program.
UNDER 18 BOYS
It was the last game of the day and worth the wait - for Sydney fans at least.
Their 48-0 victory was the most emphatic of the day in the Sydney v Country match-ups.
Coach James Barkell was delighted with his team.
“They did a great job all around,’’ he said.
Youngsters Felix Turinui, captain and speedster Aden Ekanayake, Ben Finnegan, Harrison Darling and Olie McCracken were all standouts in the blowout.
UNDER 16 BOYS
Another win for Sydney despite the best efforts of a determined Country side.
Sydney took this match 22-10 with captain Gus Grover impressed not just with his side but his Country foes.
“They always get up for us,’’ he said.
This match was watched closely by Waratahs selectors having their last look at the age group before naming their under 16s squad.
Sydney standouts included Grover, Maddax Fui from Randwick and Cynseah Tautalafua, also from Randwick.
Country standouts included Hunter players Harry Beckett, Darcy Emmett and Caleb McRae.
UNDER 16 GIRLS
Country opened the scoring in this match but it was Sydney who ran away with a great win in an entertaining battle.
Sydney left the field 26-17 victors in a great showpiece of women’s 15s rugby.
“It was a great game,’’ said coach Anthony Hunt.
“They came out on fire and to be honest we were a bit shocked.
“Then we were able to steady in the second half.’’
Standouts in the match included try scorers Waiaria Ellis, Danielle Seckold, Talea Tonga and Sharon Latapu.
Sydney also won this battle last year.
UNDER 15 BOYS
Sydney had plenty of speed and Country plenty of heart but it was the visitors who took this match.
The Sydney side picked up the Steve Tunyman Cup after leaving the field 37-10 victors.
This followed on from their 17–11 victory over Country in the U15 boys last year.
Sydney captain Isaiah Sheck from Randwick.
“He was enormous,’’ said coach Peter Gibson.
“Callum Spooner did a great job at flyhalf, making the most of opportuntiies and guiding us around the field.
“But on the whole we just had a good consistent performance across the entire group.
“It was a fantastic group of kids to coach. Really skilful and great off the field as well.”
Other standouts included Jarryd King (Randwick) and tryscorers Kordell Pritchard, Samuel Polley. Samuela Sorovi and Hunter Wiki-Sullivan.
UNDER 14 GIRLS
Last year City won this battle but in 2023 it was Country who dominated the early morning match-up.
The Country girls got off to a great start, leading 15-0 at halftime.
But by game end they had more than doubled their score – taking the match 39-5.
Country No. 10 Rylee Cash from the Central Coast was named Player of the Match and the Recipient of the Dave McCormack Shield.
TOP RUGBY BOYS HERE
TOP RUGBY GIRLS HERE
Matilda Lewer from Hunter and Ana Scott from Illawarra received the Sponsors Plate for
Country’s great victory.
Lewer thanked the teams coaches, sponsors, supporters, fellow teammates and parents.
“We couldn’t do all this without them and the parents driving us to all the trainings,’’ she said.
UNDER 14 BOYS
A thrilling contest where Sydney came from behind in the dying moments to steal the victory away from Country.
In what was described as an “absolute cracker” by organisers, Sydney ended up running out 15-13 victory.
Young Scone footballer Hunter Hall from Central north was named Player of the Match and the recipient of the Dave McCormack Memorial Shield.
This Shield was struck to recognise Country rugby personality McCormack, who died in a crash on the Pacific Highway, with the Shield donated by his colleagues within the Police Force on the far north NSW coast.
Standout players for NSW in the match included Khyanu Mahonfrom Eastwood, Harry Adomo from Northern Suburbs, Seluki Halangahu from Penrith, Tom Symonds from Northern Suburbs and Archie Hartman from Northern Suburbs.
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