Over the June long weekend, SUFC had a number of teams competing in the Junior Rugby State Championships across various age groups, and at a number of venues in Sydney.

We would like to congratulate all involved on a successful tournament. Thank you to all the coaches, managers, parents, players and supporters who attended the weekend’s games. Without each and every one of you, it would not have been the same.

A special thank you must go to Tevita Katafono, for not only being heavily involved in the organisation of the Juniors program and the entire State Championships weekend, but also for writing the reviews that follow!

Now. We look forward to 2016!

Under 11’s 

The U11’s had a successful State Championships at Blackman Park, Lane Cove – under the expert guidance of coaches – Dave Alagna, Adam Dunn and Manager Gary Hooper, our young ones were very competitive all throughout their matches. With an unfortunate draw placing most of their matches in the afternoons ending under lights, our U11’s won drew 1, lost 2 and won 2. From all accounts the young lads and parents had fun filled weekend – special mention should go to the Petersham Junior parents that provided hot dogs and a tent for the families, such generosity is what is so special in grass roots rugby.

Under 12’s

Despite a shaky start and just losing their first game up against our arch rivals Manly, they continued to dominate their other opponents for most part of the Championships. The forwards were outstanding making lots of line breaks down the centre of the park, however the North’s team stopped our hopes for the Semi Finals with an exceptional display of structured play and organised defence. The U12’s finished off strong beating Illawarra convincingly to end their campaign. The teams’ vast improvement from last year is credited to the dedication of coaches Charles Carter, James Caterson, Hani Elbatoory and to Manager Alexis Tasker for keeping the group together at Camden Rugby Club.

Under 13’s

With an under prepared side leading up to this Championships due to external diversions – our U13’s achievement of Grand Finalists is nothing short of brilliance. The side comprised of a few exceptional talents in the backline, and also carried a few big units in the forwards. The U13’s dominated most of their opponents throughout the pool games and did very well to get to the G.F. because on the second day of competition the team were missing 5 key players due to commitments elsewhere. The U13’s were defeated in the Grand Final by a well drilled and structured Manly side, who again have proven to be our nemesis in these tournaments, going down to Manly by 7 points. Congratulations to Peter Jorgenson, Fergus Duncan, Tas Volkman and Jeff Afoa for their hard work in holding the boys together under the most trying of circumstances for it resulted in a Sydney Uni Grand Finalist for the first time since Ray Hudd’s U16 team in 2006!!