With just two more weeks until the finals, all Junior Gold Cup teams took to their respective fields on Sunday afternoon for week five of the competition.
The Hunter region Junior Gold teams have shown good form throughout the season and both teams look to be in contention to enter the finals.
Playing host to Sydney South Harbour, the Under 17s defeated their fellow New South Welshmen 18-10.
After a jersey presentation from Hawthorne club chairman Bruce Cook, the Hunter boys took to the field in a bid to keep their finals chances alive.
Coach Chris Coleman has been happy with his team’s success.
“We are very happy to have finished the round of games with four wins and to still be in the mix going into the final round.
“The positives were the tenacity and belief the side played with, against a physical and committed Sydney South Harbour side.
“The team played with passion and desire and at times this was at the cost of their composure.”
After some handling errors resulting in having to defend for a large portion of the game, the team eventually managed to grasp possession and a good field position.
The teams took it in turns to lead throughout the game but Hunter’s penetrative attacking moves proved to be the difference between winning and losing. In particular Hunter’s backline has received high praise from coaches and spectators alike from running the ball all over the field and playing a quality match of attacking Rugby.
Chris Coleman was very satisfied with Hunter’s approach to the match.
“This type of decision making and confidence reflects the maturity and development of the players throughout this program.
“Over a relatively short period this group developed into a quality Rugby side and there are some genuinely talented players with the foundations to have a future in the game at the highest level.”
The final competition round will take place this weekend, with a host of Brisbane and Sydney local derbies.
Melbourne will be looking to maintain leading their Pool, while a win from Sydney North West will see Hunter out of contention for the finals. Brisbane Purple and Western Australia have already booked a spot in the finals after finishing with a clear lead in their respective pools.
