AS JUNIOR rugby union gains momentum across the region, the first Western Plains Junior side competed in a the NSW Under 12s Country Championships at Coffs Harbour on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.

In the end 21 players from Gulargambone, Trangie, Narromine, Walgett, Baradine, Coonamble, Brewarrina and Warren made the Under 12s side and reached Coffs Harbour, after two players Oscar and Rupert Carter from Bourke had to withdraw due to illness.

"It was a pretty good introduction for the first ever Western Plains side," said Tooraweenah-based Rugby Development Officer Mark Pitts.

"They played four games, drew one and lost three, including the elimination game for the top eight.

"They played in the Plate Final against an experienced New England team and beat them 40 to 5."

"That was important," Mr Pitts said. "All those players are from club sides who play 15-a-side every week whereas our guys have never played together."

Mr Pitts said there were some great performances across the competition.

Tashan Waites (Brewarrina) scored eight tries," he said. "He could have scored more but shared one with Declan Dixon (Gulargambone)."

"Declan captained the last game and showed a lot of authority. He plays a very good pivotal game," Mr Pitts said.

"They were down five nil and he set up the first try with a very good kick to put Desh into space. He has a good football brain," he said.

He said Jeremiah Thurston (Gular) played a great defensive game in the final match.

"He made some very important tackles and some good hard running, which he's known for," Mr Pitts said.

"Ten year old Kleon Reid (Gulargambone) is the baby of the team was amazing, he was fearless bringing down guys twice his size."

"Twins Hayne and Hamish O'Hara (Warren) are also ten years old and played well on the wings as they built their confidence among the older opposition."

"Jack Landers scored a try," Mr Pitts said. "He's very fast and good at loose ball pickup."

"Isabel Macrae (Coonamble) played in the back row as flanker and is one of the best footballers going around," Mr Pitts said.

"Evie Mathews (Baradine) is too. They get over the ball, and when they need to run they run and are not overwhelmed by being in a predominantly male competition."

We are now waiting for the results of the Western Plains team's trip to Forster on 24 and 25 September for the State Sevens Championships where the Western Plains fielded both a Boys and a Girls Under 13s side.

Players representing the Western Plains in Coffs Harbour were:

1.Dusty Ward – Narromine

2.William Heckendorf – Trangie

3.Archie Thomas – Warren

4.Jack Landers – Coonamble

5.Mac Jackson – Warren

6.Jakiya French – Brewarrina

7.Isobel Macrae – Coonamble

8.Shanikah Hunt – Walgett

9.Flynn Redden – Narromine

10.Matthew Smyth – Narromine

11.Evie Mathews – Baradine

12.Declan Dixon – Coonamble

13.Jerry Thurston – Coonamble

14.Kleon Reid – Gular

15.Tashahn Waits – Brewarrina

16.Paddy Cusack – Narromine

17.Spencer Craft – Narromine

18.Luis Robertson – Narromine

19.Kye Brotherton – Narromine

20.Hayne O’Hara – Warren

21.Hamish O’Hara – Warren