Late last term La Salle Academy formed an U14 Rugby League team to compete in the NSW Small Schools Knockout. They first travelled to Dubbo where they played 4 games against Narromine High School, Orange Anglican, Gilgandra High School and Macquarie Anglican Dubbo.
The boys won every game and twice came from behind to eventually win.This qualified them to play the winner of the NSW Northern Region, Tenterfield High School who had previously won the competition. The LSA boys again came from behind to close out the match 32-18. They were then off to the final at Carrington Park, Bathurst. Their opposition was Sacred Heart Central School, Cootamundra.
The game began with a solid set of 6 from the opposition and solid defence, in particular from their number 13. The La Salle boys capitalised on Cootamundra’s errors and were close to faultless in the first half running in 5 tries to 0. The second half allowed them to maintain dominance all over the field to win 42 – 6 and be crowned state champions!
Levi was named player of the final and awarded the match ball. Mr Carroll, the team coach said, “From our forwards to our backs, all would have been worthy recipients of the match ball. There were many standouts and I would like to congratulate all 16 players who, as a team, came together and played each game with discipline and sportsmanship. This team is now the NSW Small Schools State Champion and have created memories that the boys will treasure for the rest of their lives”.
Mr Carroll, would like to thank the boys for their behaviour and the way they represented the school both on and off the field. All boys were faultless and great ambassadors for the school.
Mr Carroll also thanked Liam of year 9 who is a qualified League Safe Official with NSWRL for attending every training session at school. Liam offered advice and led the boys warm ups before each game. He was also the leader of cleaning the dressing room and bus at the end of each game. Liam proved what a great young man he is through his conduct and leadership.
Mr Carroll wanted to thank all the parents who travelled to both Coolah and Bathurst to support their son and the team. Also to the Lithgow Storm Rugby League Club – the positive way in which these boys played is a direct result of both their parenting and what is taught at the rugby league club. Lastly, a big thank you to Mr Devine for organising the boys to enter the competition and for his words of wisdom in their last game.
Team Stats
Played 6
Points For 148
Points against 48
Team:
Jai, Kane, Daniel, James, Kayden, Kyan, Dominic, Mitchell, Kaiden, Levi, Cody, Archie ©, Fletcher, Logan, Kooper and Riley.
Liam (trainer)