The Western Plains Under-12s rugby union side had a tough gig in Camden at their first NSW Junior Rugby Union State Championship between 8 and 10 June, losing five of seven games. 

The 23-player squad, made mostly of children from Coonamble and Gulargambone, lost 33-0 to the ACT, 29-0 to Illawarra, 21-0 to Central North, 19-0 to Central West and 17-7 to Melbourne.

The side beat Mid-North Coast 7-0 and South NSW/Monaro 10-7. 

Team trainer Mark Pitts said the players had an uphill battle in the 23-team competition.

“We don’t have any formal competition," Mr Pitts said.

"All the other zones play in one, which makes their preparation far better. 

“Not only that, they don’t have the geographical boundaries to training,” Mark said.

“The under 12s only have gala days and unfortunately only one or two clubs can produce a 15-side team. 

“Gulargambone is by far the strongest club in the zone, but they don’t have any good competition.

“So, they’re lacking experience to compete against highly drilled regions such as Warringah and Manly.”

Mark Pitts is a trainer for Western Plains under-12s regional side

The team drove back home on Monday after their final game against Melbourne.

It may have been a rough first time, but Mark said the side saw some “solid performances” on the field.

He singled out Armatree front-rower Akhiro Baker, who plays for the Gular junior rugby team and scored the try to beat Mid-North Coast on Sunday. 

“There’s were some solid performances by the others, but I’d say that if there was a standout in team at this particular tournament, it would be Akhiro,” Mark said. 

“He just carried very well, he made some explosive tackles, he’s really developing into a good rugby player.”