The junior team played in the 11’s division to increase their away competition and meet teams from outside their regular competition table.

Beautiful weather meant three days of uninterrupted play against three Hunter Barbarians teams, Gordon Girls U12s, Terrigal Trojans, Sylvania Bulldogs, Pokolbin Juniors and Wahroonga. 

Added girls in the competition this year allowed the four Dorrigo girls – Kyra, Kahlia, Jorja and Molly – to take part in an extra all girls game on the last day of play.

The Dorrigo team played some good rugby against the bigger, stronger and well drilled teams. Only two wins were notched up after the three days of competition with try scoring for the week going to Angus Waugh, Jorja Gilbert, Taylor Gilbert, Lincoln Kellett and Marshall Kellett.

As a whole the Dorrigo team demonstrated their sportsmanship and dedication impressing NSW Rugby organisers to be awarded the “Spirit of Rugby” prize in the 11’s division for the 2017 Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge. 

Well done!!  Congratulations to Julian Ridley, Lincoln Kellett, Cooper Guest, Jorja Gilbert, Kyra Clarke, Kahlia Reeves, Molly Churchill, Lucas Pitkin, Angus Waugh, Marshall Kellett, Scott Kedzlie, Arran Hughes, Taylor Gilbert and Sam Hines for making us all proud.

And talking Rugby, here’s someone who inspires many of these young players:

Tongan-born Israel Folau is an Australian professional rugby union footballer with the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby. Folau previously played rugby league for the Melbourne Storm from 2007 to 2008 where he broke the record for most tries in a debut year.  He then played with the Brisbane Broncos from 2009 to 2010.  For the 2011 season, Folau made his first code switch, joining the Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL). In December 2012, Folau announced he was to switch codes again, signing a one-year contract with rugby union team the Waratahs.