It's finals time in junior footy and Parkes Marist JRL teams are minor premiers

Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League travelled to Molong on Saturday, August 10 and took on the Cabonne Roos. U12s Dirt Drs/Sullivan's Mining and Industrial U12's saw a successful last game of the season for the boys, taking on Cabonne at Molong. A clinical display was on show, with the forwards being brutal in both attack and defence making many line breaks at will, and the backs rock solid, by defending the edges. Unfortunately, no semis are played in what is now a non-competitive U12s, but if there were, this team would be a top chance. They have kept the last two teams they have played at zero on the scoreboard. The team has improved together every week, and the coaches are proud of the way they have played all year. Overall, it has been a great season, watching these young men develop skill and mateships. They have stuck together, showing respect and loyalty to each other, and formed undeniable bonds with every one of their coaching staff. It's been a successful season campaign for 2024 for the Under 12s team. U14LT Blue Sullivan's Mining and Industrial/Steve Magill Earthmoving U14LT Blue played Cabonne in the season's final round. Both teams defended hard for the first 15 minutes, locking in no scores. Parkes Blue scored first, with Layla Kupkee successfully finding the line. With one minute to go in the first half, Cabonne scored, locking the scores at four all for halftime. In the second half, the Blue team mixed up their second-half game by trying different tactics, and noteworthy efforts go to Shelby Skillman for showing leadership in calling the team to hold their defensive line in the second half despite the girls being tired. The Blue team could not hold Cabonne off and scored twice in the second half, bringing the final score to Cabonne-12 Parkes-4. Layla Kupkee's defence all season and again in this game was awesome, collecting many breakthrough Molong players taking their tag off right before scoring. Daisy Rice used her kicking skills to make opportunities and chase the loose ball hard. Holland Tanswell's ability to field the ball saw us continue to stay in the game. It has been a long season for the Blue team, who has not seen their efforts reflected on the scoreboard at the end of each game. Despite this, they have remained stoic, kept the on field talk positive, and steadied each other throughout every game. Their ability to keep trying and learning every week is a credit to the players and their support people, coaches and volunteers who kept supporting them throughout the season. While the Blue team has a rest over the Summer, we will be cheering on the White Team in the semi-finals and looking forward to another great season in 2025. U14LT White Bob Skinner Painting and Decorating/Steve Magill Earthmoving U14LT White showcased a dominant performance, our team secured a confident 28-0 win against Cabonne at Molong, showing both our solid attack and defensive strength. From the first whistle, we controlled the game, executing our plays with ease and leaving little room for Cabonne to make any serious challenge. The win not only highlights the hard work and dedication our players have put in throughout the season but also serves as a reminder of our capabilities heading into the finals. With this decisive win, we now advance to face Forbes in the first round of the finals this weekend at Canowindra. Our team's confidence is high, and we're eager to carry this momentum forward but also know that this is where the hard work really starts. The focus will be on maintaining our attack and intensity, ensuring we're fully prepared for what promises to be a challenging and exciting finals round. Tries were made by Myla-Rose Studdert (1) Kelsey Finnegan (1) Kasey Morgan (1) Charli Milne (1) Corby Fliedner (1) and Katie Galvin (1) Goals were kicked by Kelsey Finnegan (1) and Katie Galvin (1) Parkes 28- Cabonne 0 U14s Girls Tackle Reece Plumbing/Griffin's Leading Edge U14s Girls Tackle had a bye this week. U14s Sports Power/Parkes Ready Mix Concrete U14s won 56-6. Congratulations to the boys who are Minor Premiers for 2024. U16s Brian Collins Smash Repairs/Agriwest U16s won 60-0. Congratulations to the boys who are Minor Premiers for 2024. U17LT Parkes Services Club/Blue Heeler Storage U17LT had a bye. Congratulations to the girls who are Minor Premiers for 2024. Good luck to the U14LT White team who will be playing in the finals this weekend Saturday, August 17 at Canowindra. Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club would like to thank all their sponsors and volunteers for their continued support throughout the year.