Forbes hosts the group junior rugby league grand finals this Saturday and you can expect to see a sea of blue at Spooner Oval.
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Red Bend Junior Rugby League Club has four sides in their grand finals: The under 16s, under 14s, under 12s and league tag.
Under 16s
Mark Hartwig’s under 16s are hoping to make it back-to-back Group 11 titles when they go up against Parkes.
The side, which won the 2017 premiership, has only lost one game this season.
They’ve had a strong path through the semi-finals, playing good footy, and coach Hartwig says they just need to put the effort it to get over the line on Saturday.
The 16s retain a core with grand final experience, and they’ve got some fresh blood too.
“We’ve got some young kids coming through who are really talented, so we’ve probably got a good mix across the paddock,” Hartwig said.
Under 14s
It’s an all-Forbes grand final between two solidly matched sides in the under 14s.
The Red Bend juniors meet the Magpies juniors after the two clubs finished the season on top of the table.
“If everyone turns up with their best footy it’ll be a cracking game,” coach Paul Kelly said.
A justifiably proud coach says the team has come a long way this year, after fielding two 14s teams in 2017 a lot of the players in this year’s squad have learned to play new positions.
“Their effort and determination is unquestionable,” Kelly said.
“They don’t shirk hard work.
“They’re a great bunch of kids.”
A strong and tough forward pack, supported by clever halves, will stand the blues in good stead on Saturday.
“When we use the ball in our backline, we’ve got a good back line,” Kelly added. “It’s about putting it all together on the day.”
Special mention to some outstanding players: Jaymon McCarthy who has come a long way in his first year with Red Bend, Lachie Barnes who has stepped up as forward leader, Campbell Braneley and Matty Duke as halves.
Under 12s
Red Bend’s under 12s are a young side, but committed.
Coach Nick Jones says he challenged the side to bring energy, positivity and toughness – and they’ve done it.
“That’s their biggest attribute, they’re really positive, really good mates and good footballers,” Jones said.
“They’re really great at training and really good kids all round.”
The under 12s have powered into their grand final meeting with Cabonne with just three losses this season – and one of those was in extra time to Cabonne in the semi-finals.
The Blues bounced back and beat Parkes for the right to play the grand final, and they’ll be looking to level the scores this Saturday, when it counts.
The Blues will be looking to level the scores this weekend, when it counts.
Senior league tag
Unfortunately the Advocate wasn’t able to catch the league tag coach at training on Thursday night, we hope to bring you more after the grand final.
Best of luck to the girls when they meet West Wyalong on Saturday!
