PORT Stephens’ first Under 12 Girls representative Oztag team has returned from the Junior State Titles in Coffs Harbour with a huge pass mark.
The talented young Bandits set a lofty benchmark for future Port Stephens line-ups by reaching the quarter-finals of the prestigious championships.
Under leading coach Craig Milne, the rookies displayed tremendous teamwork and tenacity in the ultra-competitive division.
The team booked a top eight spot after chalking up four wins and a draw from six rounds in a tough pool.
They scored victories over Ryde Colts 8-0, Easts 3-0 and 4-2, and Liverpool 4-0, and drew 2-2 with Sutherland.
Port Stephens’ only loss in the preliminary rounds was a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Shellharbour on the second day of action.
Eventual champions Cronulla eliminated the stout-hearted Bandits 3-0 in a gripping quarter-final.
A delighted Milne, who is also a highly regarded mentor with the South Newcastle Lions Junior Rugby League Club, told News Of The Area that he was extremely proud of the girls’ efforts.
“All team members played a significant role in steering us to the finals at their first attempt,” he said.
“The squad was a mash of promising young athletes with rugby league, netball and AFL backgrounds who built a fine rapport on and off the field.
“They clicked from the outset and entertained the Oztag community with their quick passing, speed and footwork, which triggered many scoring opportunities.”
Testament to the Bandits’ strike power was that 11 of their 22 tries overall were scored on the edge by the club’s talented bunch of links and wingers.
The Port Stephens Under 12 Girls squad featured outstanding prospects in emerging links Ashlee Dark, Hope Rogers, Leilanii Bradshaw and Summer Morgan; dashing wingers Audrey Keating, Brailee Abraham, Ellie Carstairs and Isabella Roberts; rising rovers Grace Tansey, Hallie Gessell, Harriett Dunn and Skye Robbins and skilful middles Daisy-Mae Milne, Hailey Eyles, Pippa Carman and Shae Seymour.
In a further boost, the young Bandits also qualified for next year’s top tier Junior State Oztag Cup series with the 2027 event to be split into separate Cup and Shield divisions.
“The girls were proud to wear and represent the Port Stephens colours for the first time and have been supported amazingly by local Oztag founder Blaine O’Flaherty and crew,” added Milne.
By Chris KARAS
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