THE leash was off the Bathurst Bulldogs under 9s junior rugby union team last Saturday as they made it all the way to the semi-finals at the Chatswood Challenge Cup tournament.
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The open invitational event saw teams from across the Sydney basin and New South Wales squaring off, meaning the young Bulldogs faced some stiff opposition.
Bulldogs began strongly, defeating Chatswood, St Ives and Wahroonga to top their pool and progress into the semi-final.
Unfortunately then they were defeated by Easts, who went on to be crowned champions.
Still, Bulldogs coach Phil Lewis was far from disappointed, especially given his team was only formed the week of the event.
"The kids did really well," he said.
"The team members came down to who could get there and who couldn't, so they only had the chance to get in one training session as a new team before the championships.
"The team was a combination of the under 9s Bulldogs blue and gold teams, so the young players were not used to competing together."
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Normally when Bulldogs play at Central West gala days, the focus is on improving skills and just having fun, with no scores are taken.
In contrast the Chatswood championships were an opportunity for the Bulldogs to experience the competitive side of rugby union.
"The kids loved the competition side of it and were so excited that they made it through to the semi-final," Lewis said.
Another highlight for the team was young Bulldog Will Curtin receiving 'the spirit of rugby' award for best and fairest player throughout the tournament.
Voted by the referees, managers and coaches, the award will see Curtin attend a two-day rugby camp in Sydney where he will be able to further improve his rugby union skills.
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"The award is given to the player with the best sportsmanship basically, a player who follows the rules, encourages other players and cheers on other teams," Lewis said.
"At the camp, Will will be able to work on his ball skills and the core skills of rugby as well as communication and leadership skills."
The affiliation that the Bathurst Junior Rugby Committee has with Chatswood Junior Rugby Union extends beyond Saturday's tournament.
It allows the city boys to experience playing in the Central West and regional teams the chance to travel to the city.
It is a relationship that Lewis and the Bathurst Junior Rugby Committee are proud of and hope to continue in the future.
