THE under-14s Redmen rugby side are the perfect appetiser before the main course each Saturday.
Breathing in the crisp Saturday morning air, going through their pre-match drills before eleven-thirty clicks around, these next generation Redmen stars are gaining popularity with their exciting brand of rugby.
Parents, supporters, past and present players have been in awe of the sides rise this season against quality opposition.On Saturday Grafton face a tough assignment against one of the premiership favourites in Snappers Black, who currently sit in second place on the ladder.
Grafton remain in fourth place, two-points in arrears of Snappers, and just one point ahead of Kempsey.For Redmen co-coach Ben Hill, Saturday’s blockbuster could well define Grafton’s finals hopes.
“Coffs are always running top of the table and have always been a thorn in our side,” the Redmen coach said during the week.”
“They have been the benchmark in the under fourteens and we need to match them around the ruck and at the breakdown.
“However, our main focus this week will be on defence. They are a dangerous side, so we need to limit their options.”
Organising Saturday morning rugby has a lot of moving parts, and Hill, like most parents, devotes his time ensuring everything runs smoothly…in fact… it’s almost become a ritual.
Hill, whose son Digby is part of the side, is a coach, parent, referee and linesman, but admits without the help of parents and supporters, Saturday morning rugby could suddenly turn into a nightmare.
“We have a wonderful support crew through parents and past players, “Hill explained.
“They all feel the forward momentum of the club, the culture and they value their kids being involved with the Grafton Rugby Club.
“A lot of past players have kids playing and they help out…it’s a culture every young side needs.”
Grafton boast a well-balanced side, playmakers, pace out wide, and those not afraid to put their body on the line. But it’s the loss of one of their star players which has left a massive hole in the side leading up to their finals campaign.
“Max Forwell received dispensation to play with us earlier in the season but that has now been revoked which is a huge blow for us,” Hill said.
Grafton also boast two female representative players, who according to the coach, have no trouble matching it with their male counterparts.
“Bella Moran has played plenty of rep footy and always gets stuck in against the boys. She is a workhorse on the field and loves the contact,” he said.
“Maddi Pigg also plays representative rugby and is hard to stop when in space with her powerful running style.
“Maddi received dispensation to play under fourteens, but she is only allowed to play out wide.”
It promises to be a cracker of a game on Saturday with a lot on the line. One side aiming at a minor premiership, the other hoping to cement a spot in the top four.
Nico
