Junior Country V Sydney From Tamworth

The Annual Junior City Vs Country age Fixture, was held on Sunday the 5th of August at the new Scully Park facility, Tamworth, the Home of Country Music in Australia. This is also the same ground where Illawarra Seniors have twice won the Caldwell Cup (1991 & 1994). It was a long trip for the 30 young players, supporters and their families from the Illawarra region. The annual clash is for Age groups U14s through to U16s as the U18s played a couple of weeks prior.  Plus the Girls under 17s for the first time.

Tim Gavin Shield (Under 14)

Junior Illawarriors participating: Metue- Sela Fuka, Michah Gibson, Jaydon Villamu, Josh Low, Matthew Parkes, Harrison Valevatu, Jackson Ropata

Country started out fast, strongly attacking the Sydney half but were unable to score any points with the territory advantage in the first 10 minutes of the game and with a couple penalties to City, the play moved into Countries half. City moved the ball wide and the center cut  back  and scored close to the post. The try was converted giving City a lead of 7-0. With country hitting back with a try for a 7-5 then city moved the ball wild and scored 3 quick back to back tries. For a final score of City 50-Country 10.

Steve Tuynman Cup (Under 15)

Junior Illawarriors participating : Anthony Moata’ane, Tom Cusack, Jack Neich, Jaden Legaspi with the  Coach Tony Leeder-Smith and  Manager Mick Sutherland.

A competitive game which did not reflect the final score 28-26 City’s way. Country started out fast and peppered the City line but were held up over line a couple of times. Sydney then gathered momentum and scored two before half time. Country hit back and at half time behind 14 to 10. In the second half country applied pressure in defense and result in two tries to hit the lead with 10 remaining on the clock , City hit back with two late tries to win a highly entertaining game. Vote best player in the Game country number 6 Tom Cusack from Camden.

The Ella Cup (Under 16)

 Junior Illawarriors participating: Coach: Ian Westwood  & Adam Dubois

A game of two halves as a fast start by the City and they applied plenty of pressure to the Country side with city having a  half time to lead of 24- nil. After oranges Country were on the attack again with numerous raids into City’s half resulting in a couple of tries down the left side of the field by a very quick winger. City had their chance with a rolling maul deep inside country red zone, with a try resulting next to the post the play then went up the field and back, Country had their chances but were unable to take the points when on offer. The end result City 34 country 24.