Campbelltown didn’t just host the 2017 Immortals Conference Championship – one of its local clubs triumphed in the grand final of the under 15s yesterday when they beat Alexandria Rovers 26-24.
Not only that, but the victorious team, the Under 15s Campbelltown Collegians, was made up of players who had come together for the first time this season.
Some of them had never played before, according to coach Tim Hawke, who was a very happy man on Monday morning.
“This is an awesome group of young men and I am very proud of them,’’ Hawke said.
“This was our first year together as a group; we were newly formed as a few clubs folded the season before.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We won the Western Suburbs district 15s silver division grand final, then one week later we went on to play in the best of the best and win,’’ the young coach said[/social_quote].
On the way to the grand final, Hawke’s team defeated Moorebank 20-8 and were too good for Renown United in winning 34-8.
Things were a little closer in the decider.
“We were confident going into the championships,’’ Hawke said.
“We were up 18-6 at halftime in the grand final but a few defensive errors and they fought back.
“We scored on the last two minutes to take out the immortals championship.
“This was a massive achievement and a fantastic effort by all our boys to become the best of the best.’’
Matthew Nonu was man of the match and he was also nominated by his coach as one of the standout players for Collegians in the grand final, alongside Zac West, Jordan Tangata, Raymond Mu and Sage Pone.
Campbelltown Collegians had three teams in the NSW Rugby League competition.
Their Under 14 and 16 teams also made their grand finals, but unlike the victorious U15s, were beaten in the decider.
“It was amazing to have three Campbelltown Collegians teams there, the most out of any club in the championship,’’ Hawke said.
A total of 38 teams took part in the championships, which were played at Waminda Oval and Campbelltown Stadium.
Mark Dunn
Congratulations to great bunch of young men with bright futures! Thank you South West Voice for reporting on this great local achievement. #trulylocaljournalism