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THE Dubbo Kangaroos under-13 Blues head into their first major semi-final in the Central West junior competition, after spending the best part of four years together.
The Benson Fencing-sponsored side will be at home when they play Orange City on Saturday, and it is not only an exciting time for the 18 boys who will take the field but also for the Dubbo Kangaroos as a club.
A number of the boys started playing with the Walla's in 2009 in the under-7 team when the Roos began their Friday night competition. This competition has gone from strength-to-strength and the club is about to reap the rewards.
The 13 Blues have won all 13 games this year and have the most impressive for and against out of all teams in the Central West junior rugby competition. The boys have scored 668 points and have only had 12 points scored against them.
It took a whole round before their line was crossed. Not many teams can boast having only two tries scored against them during the season.
The 13 Blues have been fortunate to be coached by two stalwarts of the club, Jason Blake and Damien Johnston. They coached the core of the team in 2014 when they were the younger team in the division.
They impressed the rugby community then by scoring points in all games and being unlucky to finish outside the top five.
Blake and Johnston have been impressed with the continued development of every player.
The boys' increased knowledge of the game of rugby along with their commitment in training and improved execution of skills have culminated in this season.
The forward pack is led by Will Johnston at No.8.
Will was an integral member of the NSW PSSA side in 2014 and is dynamic across the field.
Lachlan Sinclair, Ben Smith, Michael Strydon, Jack Isbester and Harry Stringer provide the mobility required for that quick breakdown up front.
Cameron Bourchier, Anthony Hollman, Guy Harrison and Connor Watts are the powerhouse at the front of the forward pack.
The Blues' backline is led by talented Max Rumble at halfback who has established a great combination with five-eighth Jayden Blake.
Further speed provided by Ben and Keiron Rosenbaun, James Finch, Jed Chandler, Jack Druce and Edward Hennessy, and contributed to the season's multitude of tries.
The team has also been fortunate to have Lachlan Adams and Elton Shibble play with them when they have been home from boarding school.
The team was also well represented in the Central West representative squads with seven members of the team playing in the Country and NSW championships. This experience will be valuable come match day.