Group 10 Junior Rugby League: Good fends, good tackles, good runs and good fun at mini cluster

The former star centre turned lock who also represented Group 10 is now coaching the Bathurst Panthers under 9s side, spending his Saturday mornings watching them in action at grounds across the region.

On Saturday they played their Group 10 mini cluster match at Carrington Park against the Oberon Tigers and while the weather was icy cold, the action was red hot.

"For a team that hasn't really had a lot of team play together, they've been playing well. This probably wasn't their best week, but they're having fun," Luyks said.

"I'm really enjoying coaching the little fellas, it's good to see them have a bit of fun and scoring tries and making a fair few tackles.

"There were a couple of really good runs there today, some good fends, couple of nice steps - yeah there's a bit of skill in some of those little fellas.

"There's a couple of players there who need to get a bit more focussed on it, but next year they start playing a bit more positional play, a bigger field and a bit more competition."

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As Luyks indicated, there was some skill on show despite the young age of those in action.

There were some clever off-loads, dummy-half darts that showed quick thinking to catch out defenders, try-saving tackles and at one stage a chip and chase which led to a try.

There were plenty of smiles and encouragement too and for Oberon coach Luke Luke Christie-Johnston - a man who won a Mid West League premiership with the senior Tigers last year - that was just as good as the moments of skill.

"They are just out here having fun, it's good to see," he said.

"They go good, they are a good bunch of kids, we've got four or five new ones."

For Oberon, this season marks a return to action after the club made the decision to not contest Group 10 Junior Rugby League competitions last year due to COVID-19.

The under 9 Tigers also played Lithgow Storm Thunder at Carrington Park while Oberon had an under 8s, two under 6s and a pair of under 7s teams in action at the minis cluster day.

"It's great to see Oberon back and able to get sides," Luyks said.

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