Round 14 Junior Match Reports
With four junior games being played at home last Friday night, another good crowd was on hand to support the young Seahorses.
The Ballina Under 8s team played Lismore. With Lismore having more players they loaned Ballina players on a rotation system. The game showcased the true spirit of rugby with great improvement shown on passing and positional play. An Excellent game to be involved with and Tom Hart from Ballina did a great job as referee. The wonderful attitude demonstrated from both Ballina and Lismore’s coach and players was a definite highlight.
The Under 10s played competition leaders Lismore Green. While the score was similar to the last time we played Lismore Green, the actual game was a huge improvement with Ballina getting back to good defence that really worried the Lismore side. Haydon and Zach led the way with great games. Haydon’s running and Zach’s all-round game continually caused problems for the Lismore side. Ballina showed that next year with some more experience they will be a force in the competition. The coaches are very proud of all the players. Referee Emily Hart, allowed the game to flow with the emphasis being on kids playing rugby as per the ARU guidelines for Mini Rugby. Emily is developing into a fine referee.
The Under 12s played Lismore in the third game of the night and although behind on the scoreboard at the final whistle, this is an impressive team. The ability to put multiple phases off attacking rugby together and their backline ball movement are two major strengths of this Under 12s squad. They have undoubtedly provided some of the most exciting junior rugby played at home this season.
The 13s came up against a Wollongbar team that put more than 60 points on them last time they met. The boys managed to halve that score line this time around and this was definitely an impressive performance by the Ballina lads. They tackled their hearts out and committed themselves to the breakdown throughout the entire match. It was a full 50 minute team performance and all of the players deserve a pat on the back for what could be a defining game in their development as rugby players. A great effort boys which was reflected in coach Craig Dangar’s satisfied smile at both half and full time.
