Junior Competition returns to action

The Junior Competition resumed on Sunday after a two week break for the school holidays. For many of the teams from Kempsey south, this was actually the start of their season after wet weather affected rounds 1 and 2 and washed out many of the games.

In the Under 11 competition, Northern Beaches Blues overcame Sawtell Toormina Saints to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and sit on top of the ladder. The Blues only reformed last season with an Under 11 team so their current run of form is very impressive. This result was Sawtell’s first loss of the season and they retain their place in the top 4.

In a similar scenario, the Camden Haven Bombers extended their unbeaten run in 2017 to two matches by beating Manning Valley Mustangs. The Bombers also reformed in 2016 and went through last season without winning a game, so are ecstatic with their form so far this season. This was Manning Valley’s first game of the season and they will only get better with regular footy.

Breakers started fast against Nambucca Valley who were playing at their home ground for the first time. Nambucca improved the longer the match went but weren’t able to kick straight enough in front of goal to claim their maiden win.

In other Under 11 matches, Bellingen Bulldogs and Port Macquarie Black scored strong wins over Grafton Tigers and Macleay Valley Eagles respectively.

In Under 13 action, Bellingen Bulldogs and Macleay Valley Eagles marked themselves as the early contenders for premiership glory. The Bulldogs proved too strong for an inexperienced Northern Beaches Blues outfit, whilst Macleay Valley outclassed Coffs Breakers.

Grafton Tigers recorded the surprise of the round, beating last season’s Premiers in Port Macquarie Magpies who were playing their first match of the season. This was the Tigers first win in 2017 and provides a perfect springboard for the remainder of the season.

Sawtell Toormina Saints made the long journey to Taree to take on the Manning Valley Mustangs and had a happy journey home with the four competition points in the bag.

In the Under 15.5 competition, Sawtell Toormina Saints proved too string for Camden Haven Bombers in Laurieton. This keeps their unbeaten start to the season intact and sees them sitting astride the top of the ladder. This was only the Bombers first game of the season and they were just happy to be able to get out onto the park!

Coffs Breakers are in second place on the ladder after a victory over the Macleay Valley Eagles. This was an enthralling match with much end to end action as the players ran themselves into the ground.

Port Macquarie Magpies finally managed to catch a break in the weather and welcome in the start of their season when they played the Grafton Tigers. The Magpies were far too strong for an undermanned Tigers outfit that is still looking for its first win in 2017.

Completing the round of Junior Competition action, Macleay Valley Eagles recorded their place in history, winning the first ever competitive Youth Girls club match in the region when they overcame Coffs Breakers. This match was a really quality spectacle and was enjoyed by the big crowd. Both sides showed good skills and genuine tenacity and will be extremely competitive across the season.

 

For full results, please click here.