Annual Sydney Vs Country Juniors
The Annual Junior City Vs Country age Fixture, was held on Sunday the 29th July at Scully Park, 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 U17s as the U18s played a couple of weeks prior. The U15s and U17s games acted as selection trials for the New South Wales teams.

Junior Illawarriors participating

Netane Talanoa, Jack Winchester, Terence Toomata, Cian Duffy, Josh Tuialii, Henry Puhotau, William Valevatu, Brett Wellington, Baily Antrobus

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 centre cut back and scored close to the post. The try was converted giving City a lead of 7-0. Most of the play for the game was spent between the 25s. in the second half a penalty was award to City close to the posts taking the score to 10-0, Country reverted to kick as they were unable to break the City defence. A late try to City from a botched line out by Country near the try line resulted in the final score being 15-0.

Steve Tuynman Cup (Under 15)

A competitive game which did not reflect the final score 26-10 City’s way. Country started out fast and peppered the City line but were held up over line a couple of time. Sydney then gather momentum and scored two before half time. With full time looming and country attacking hard the tall city centre took an intercept and raced 60 m to score . City 26-10

DSC 3071The Ella Cup (Under 16)

Junior Illawarriors participating: Brendan Neville, Rhys Robinson, Raka Poaru, Netane Masima, John Boath Moananu, Brandon Faavae Eli, Puruata Tuapou, Coach: Tony Leeder Smith

It was a fast start by Country and they applied plenty of pressure to the City side in the first 20 minutes, this resulted in a converted try and a penalty before half time to lead 10- nil. After oranges Country were on the attack again with numerous raids into City’s half resulting in no point won. 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, Right on full time a penalty was awarded in front of the posts and the successful penalty kicked result 10 all draw. Country had their chances but were unable to take the points when on offer.

Should give Coach Tony Leeder-Smith something to work with for the October competition against Sydney , NSW schools and Western Zone!

Michael Brial Cup (Under 17)

Good quality game in the under 17s with country fresh from a good hit out against a Canberra side the game started with city starting out of the blocks quick with territory and possession but could not to score any points , country slow gain in strength and build a lead up and maintained their dominance with their forwards throughout the match even do to 13 men with two yellows City still could not score to a man the country boys out played there city rivals Good performance from the Illawarra player which reflect in the number selected in the NSW under 17s And a special mention to the coach, Michael Solomons from Camden – great effort!