Under-7s had to face off against one another; it is always a tough round to report on when our two emerging teams. This weekend, the two met on a somewhat flooded home ground but in the true spirit of rugby, none of the players let a little mud and rain get in the way. Credit goes to the coaches and the ref (with his brollie in hand) who got their fair share of the wet too. At the end of the day, the Sutherland brothers went head to head on opposing teams and matched each other with three tries each. Lachlan Eather made a dash down the side for a trade mark corner try and once again Jarrod Veal was a force to be reckoned with in the forwards, backed up by Ash Metcalf in the centres. Lucas Georgy and Lachy Layborne were the all-rounders for both sides, keep up the great play boys!

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‎Under-8s hosted Merewether at a rain-soaked HVG. The Reds tried hard in the cold slippery conditions but the Merewether Slime were too strong and were victors 55-10. Jayden Gontier led the attack with strong running to post the only points for the Reds. Good runs were also made by Jed Shoesmith, Jack Wills and Jesse Shirtcliffe. The Reds toiled hard at times in the ruck and Izzy Burgess and Angus Walker led the way securing the ball and providing go forward for the Reds. Defence was the weakness for the Reds and this allowed the Slime to score points. Good defence by Cal Barr, Oscar Dent and man of the match Tom Harrington kept the Reds in the game.

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Under-10s – With no competition game on Saturday, a friendly game was arranged with Avoca Beach from the Central Coast. A sodden and muddied Hunter Valley Gardens oval greeted both teams. Bolstered by the return of Zac F, and with two players new to Rugby - Jack B and Jonah H, the Reds faced a tough and well drilled side over four, 15 minute quarters. Avoca fought hard with raids into the Reds half, finally they cracked the defensive line and scored with two minutes left to make the final score Avoca 27 to Reds 22.

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Under-11s took the field with vigour on Saturday against Nelson Bay despite the drenched conditions. The boys played very well against a strong Nelson Bay team. Players’ player and man of the match went to the formidable Oscar Fleming this week. Special mention to a brave Ben Wood who returned after time off for injury only to be taken down in a huge tackle in the dying minutes of the game. Woody you are a superstar! The whole team thoroughly enjoyed this round at home despite the result (61-0). The Reds joined Nelson Bay in a post-game muddy celebration.

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Under-12s played another top five team on Saturday. The ground was very wet, but no rain fell until the very end of the match. Some good wet weather rugby was played in the second half with the forwards warming to their task in the mud. The team welcomed back Addi from his holiday and he performed very well. Judah again improved in his first season of rugby. Zack again tackled like a demon alongside Alex who tackled himself to a stand still including landing in the biggest puddle on the ground. Players’ players were Zack 3 points, Charlie 2 and James 1. Nelson Bay 65 Pokolbin nil.