The junior rugby league grand finals were held last Sunday at Jubilee oval, Wilcannia Boomerangs featured in all three grades, Menindee yabbies in two, and the Silver City Young Guns playing in the under 14’s.

The under 10’s match was a very tight affair. Scores locked at 16 all during the half time break and it was anyone’s game with ten minutes to go. Wilcannia were looking very dangerous but Menindee’s defence held strong. After several try saving tackles by the Yabbies, they were able to post some points of their own.
The Yabbies won the second half 14-4 to secure a 30-20 victory, defending their title from the 2011. Menindee’s Stephen Newman scored a hat trick and was named man of the match for his superb efforts in attack.

Jamin Whyman from Wilcannia must get a special mention. He scored a superb solo try showing he has the ability to really prosper into a talented rugby league player.
Menindee did it a little easier in the under 12’s, claiming the title with a 56-26 victory.

Tavita Newman won man of the match after he scored an amazing four tries. Gregory Dutton was also a standout for the Yabbies, also scoring four tries.

Caylan Jones backed up for the Boomerangs to play in the under 12’s, after finishing with two tries in the under 10’s Caylan scored three tries to take his tally to five for the day.

In the under 14’s Wilcannia won their first premiership for the day, a spirited Silver City Young Guns couldn’t hold out the talented Boomerangs team.
Victor Ward scored three tries, using his blistering pace and agility to create space for himself. Victor was well supported by Ethan Whyman and George Harris, both boys playing important roles in the victory.

The Wilcannia Boomerangs club showed this year how strong they are, they may have only won one premiership but to have all teams playing on grand final day is a great achievement for the club.

The Silver City Young Guns also had a successful year, for a club in their first year they did a great job with the juniors. All players improving a having one side make the grand final was a huge effort for the club.

Silver City’s Robert Larkins picked up man of the match for the game, his attack led the way for the young guns and is great to see one of the unsung heroes receive such a prestigious award.

Junior player of the year awards were also awarded to players from each age group on Sunday. Silver City’s Corey Kennedy took out the under 10’s award, Corey’s defence was a standout this year. Corey has a huge future ahead of him for the Young Guns.

Dorothy Mills from Wilcannia won the under 12’s player of the year. The majority of players could learn a lesson from Dorothy, no matter the game and no matter the result she always has a smile on her face. She is also a fantastic player, scoring several tries this year that not many other players would be capable of.

Ethan Whyman from the Boomerangs was named under 14’s player of the year for the second year in a row. Ethan has shown a lot of potential in his time at Wilcannia, which was rewarded with a trip to Dubbo to take part in the talented far west players camp.