On a chilly, slightly breezy Friday morning, the Under 16s rugby union squad travelled to Tuggerah Sporting Complex to compete in the Central Coast Rugby 7s. Brimming with high hopes and fielding two squads boasting hard-running forwards and a few fleet-footed backs, the boys opened their campaign with a solid victory over a talented and determined Erina High School side.

Sadly, that first win would prove their only taste of victory for the day. Both teams battled hard in narrow, hard-fought losses to the Central Coast Sports College Black and Grey squads, Terrigal High, and Gorokan High. Every match was played at a blistering pace, with moments of great skill on display from all—perhaps none more memorable than prop Cooper Djericin’s audacious chip-and-chase from inside his own 25, channeling his inner Mark Ella or a young Jonathan Thurston.

Though the results didn’t go their way, the experience, camaraderie, and laughs will last far longer than the sting of defeat. Special thanks go to Mr Reynolds for his positive words of wisdom and sharp game insights—delivered, of course, while dancing along the sideline and reliving his glory days as a very handy inside back.