Waratahs battle on to win grand final

Junior Sports Star nominees the 2016 Penrith Waratahs under 13s proved that a champion team always beats a team of champions.

Penrith Waratahs under-13s Premiership winning team.

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THE 2016 Penrith Waratahs under 13s proved that a champion team always beats a team of champions.

In fact, they went one further and proved that an undermanned side can play well enough to win a competition.

It’s why they’ve been nominated for the Junior Sports Stars award.

The Waratahs only fielded 13 players or more three times during their 16-game season which culminated in a grand final win against Minchinbury.

Minchinbury beat the Waratahs in week one of the finals when they only had 11 players, but 13 fit kids turned the tables in the big one and they got up 18-14 at Windsor Sporting Complex.

Team manager Ryan Thomas said a core group of players kept the team together in the tough times.

“Six of them have been playing together for a while and two have been together for nine seasons,” he said.

Penrith Waratahs under-13s Premiership winning team.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of them.

“They lost a few games because they were short but they kept their heads high and their attitude was second-to-none.”

Even when the side fielded 12 or 14 players, a number of them were backing up from the club’s under-12s team, which was a Division 5 side in its competition, just to make the feat even better.

Mr Thomas was hopeful of more signings next season, which they’ll need as they move up to Division 2.

“We had a couple of superstars this year and the others backed them up well,” he said.

“Next season will be a step up for them but they’ve got a lot of confidence and hopefully we’ll get a full team and some reserves for next season.”

www.juniorsportsstar.com.au