Our Under 14 Staughton College Junior Rugby League School Representatives

On Thursday 4th August, our girls, and boys Under 14 teams played inter-school competition with the Western Region NRL Cameron Smith Gala Day. All the players made us very proud, and this was the first Staughton Junior Rugby League teams presented in the under 14 competitions. To say the day was hectic is an understatement. The boys played 2 games back-to-back and the girls played 2 games back-to-back. We were shuffled from one field to another to play games at a minute’s notice. Rugby league is a collision sport, where players are expected to be physically competent in a range of areas, including aerobic fitness, strength, speed and power. Unfortunately, some of our players suffered head knocks and exhaustion. We are wishing them all the very best in recovery.

Girls U14's

Our girls team right from the very first game proved how hard and tough they are when they gave the Grange side a real 'run for their money”. The Grange is a well drilled, more experienced and bigger side, yet our Staughton girls were truly remarkable with their skills, teamwork and attitude. In a well contested match, all of our girls were very good, but we lost the game 26 to 6.

In the girls 2nd match against Melton, what a game! Our never give up attitude was the weapon where the girls fought until the end and got the win. We won this game 12 to 8. Our girls then made it directly into the grand final but we came up against the Grange who were very physical and tough and really wanted the grand final win more than us. Our girls gave the best of effort and were very resilient, but the Grange won comfortably.

Stand out players for the girls were Makerita (tough), Gabby (hard running), Khyarna (high-intensity efforts), Lizzy (leadership) and Ruci (skills). The rest of the girls demonstrated excellent skills and ability to meet the demands of each game. Congratulations.

Thank you very much to Ms Basile for attending and helping our teams and especially rendering first aid and supporting our students. Thank you to Delta, Desire and Jezell for running water.

Boys U14’s

Our boys’ team were exceptional. We were badly short players and only fielded 12 out of 13 players for games and even got down to 11 when one of our boys suffered a head clash and had to leave the field. In game 1 Hume beat us 20 to 4. In game 2, we beat the Grange 38 to 0. Our best game was beating Mt Ridley 10 points to 4 in game 3. Our boys just missed out playing the grand final in the for and against countback. To say how pleased I was in how the team game together and demonstrated outstanding determination and rugby league skills is an understatement. All of the boys directly contributed to the team success and are to be applauded. Stand out players for the boys was our Captain Conty Kelsall who has unbelievable athleticism, game understanding, great fend, great tackler, great kicker and has definitely an unique rugby league talent. The other outstanding player that must be mentioned is our Vice-Captain, OJ Oto who in my opinion was the strongest forward on the day out of all the teams and his tackles and runs were truly exceptional and ferocious.

Thinking forward, both teams have work to do and the learning from this rugby league tournament has reinforced the need to learn our positions, clear the ball as quick as we can, tackle harder and run into gaps off good passes. The challenge for both teams will be developing structure in our play, getting much fitter, and building our aerobic fitness speed and mobility.

We may get knocked down a bit this year but we will get up again…every…single…time…

I think we have a very bright future for many years ahead.

Mr Nayler

Coach

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