A strong side took the field last weekend as the Parkes MP Home and Design Under 14 Blues took on Canowindra fighting for a spot in the grand final.
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The Blues had a good 44 - 20 win to secure their spot against Cabonne at their home ground in Manildra on Saturday.
A word from the coach
After massive numbers registered in the Under 14s age group the club decided to split the team into two teams, blues and whites.
After a bit of hesitation, the Under 14 Blues started their season with quite a few new players, some that hadn't played in several years and a female coach!
A mixed bunch of boys with different skills, abilities and most definitely personalities, they have really pulled together and made themselves to be quiet a team.
The first run we had a couple of players that didn't know how to play the ball, some that struggled with tackling and some that couldn't catch so for them to be now playing in a grand final is a true testament to the type of kids that they are.
Such a bunch of resilient and determined boys who have really proven themselves this year.
Having almost 100% attendance rate at every training session has really helped the boys and their skills have improved out of sight under the guidance of Kyle Hando who stepped up to assist with the coaching.
The boys have shown great respect for Kyle and his knowledge and take into account everything he says.
Throughout the season the boys have increased their skill level and knowledge of the game with each player bringing something special to the time it really is a team effort.
We have played the boys in different positions giving them the opportunity to try our new positions, and also for us as coaches to see what the best fit is for the team.
It wasn't until the last couple of rounds that we finally settled on the positions we believe are best for the team.
With varying sizes in the team, we had to ensure our defensive line was strong at all times and by improving the boys defense skills we have been able to achieve this.
The key thing that I believed has worked for the boys is their attitude to the team.
Most of the players show strong sportsmanship and that has been a big factor in our wins during the season.
We also commend Kaid Lydford on the number of tries he has scored for the season, scoring over 30 tries and kicking more than 50 goals, he has been on the leaderboard nearly every game.
Following closely behind Kaid was Malakai Folau. Malakai and Tye Toomey have been workhorses on the field with Tye topping the count in both tackles and hit ups for the season.
A special thank you to Erin Hando for collating our stats every single week and also for washing our guernseys.
Each and every one of the players have shown improvement this season and it is hard to single any out, Bob McEwen is our organizer on the field and his short kicking game has improved under the guidance of Tim Richter, league safe runner.
Paul Richter and Hunter Green protect our wings like nothing else, whilst our centres - Harmih Turnbull and Sterling Green show great support to them.
Our forward pack Charlie Oraha and Charlie Mahon lead the way in attack scoring points when they power over the line.
Our consistent second rowers, Daniel Hando and Jack Jessep show great support to them and have both improved their technique.
Our lock Jimmy Osborne has been steadily increasing his tackle count each and every week.
Coming off the bench we have Mason Leedham, Aiden Byrnes, Ethan Manley and Charlie Stubbs who are key players in our team providing subs and taking on defense and attack each and every week.
The coaching team wish the boys all the best for the grand final and win or lose they have done us and the club proud.
Jaimee Timmins
The Team
1 Kaid Lydford: Full back: Started age 8. Superpower wish: to fly. Runs like a whippet snapping ankles as he goes.
2 Paul Richter: Winger. Started age 12. Superpower wish: speed. Great hands for the big catches on his wing.
3 Sterling Green: Centre. Started age 2. Superpower wish: to fly. A consistent centre, quietly doing his job.
4 Harmih Turnbull: Centre. Started age 13. Superpower wish: invisibility. Has had a stellar first season, defends and attacks well.
5 Hunter Green: Winger. Started age 12. Superpower wish: strength. Guards his wing, slippery with the ball in attack.
6 Malakai Folau: Five Eight. Started age 10. Superpower wish: teleportation. Workhorse on the field and is everywhere.
7 Bob McEwen: Half back. Started age 4. Superpower wish: super strength. He is an organiser, reads the game well, don't let his size fool you.
8 Charlie Oraha: Front Row. Age 13. Super Strength he wished he had is to fly. Point scoring bulldozer with an awesome attitude.
9 Tye Toomey (Captain): Hooker. Started age 8. Superpower wish: invisibility. Consistently leads his team in both attack and defense.
10 Charlie Mahon: Front Row. Started age 12. Superpower wish: to fly. Hard to stop when he keeps those legs pumping.
11 Daniel Hando: Second Row. Started age 12. Superpower wish: to fly. A quiet achiever, working hard in defense.
12 Jack Jessep: Second Row. Started age 10. Superpower wish: super strength. Gives 100% week in week out and talks well.
13 Jimmy Osborne: Lock. Started age 7. Superpower wish: to fly. Puts his body on the line and gives his all.
14 Mason Leedham: Front/Second Row. Started age 8. Superpower wish: strength. Specialist in one on one strips.
15 Aiden Byrnes: Hooker/Wing/Centre. Started age 5. Superpower wish: to fly. Ability to play in several positions and holds his own.
16 Ethan Manley: Front/Second Row. Superpower wish: invisibility. Pump him up and he can't be stopped.
17 Charlie Stubbs: Wing. Started age 11. Superpower wished: super-fast. Coming off the bench he's a tackler and guards his wing.
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