The NSW Cyclones are a strong chance of getting all five teams into the semi-finals after outstanding results in the first five days of the Australian Junior Championships at Dubbo Sportsworld.
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Four Cyclones teams had all-but guaranteed their place by midway through Wednesday’s action but the Cyclones 17 and under girl’s chances were in the balance ahead of their night game.
The Cyclones teams were littered with Dubbo players and they have played important roles for their sides.
Dubbo-based Cyclones co-ordinator Greg King said the club was very happy with how it was performing.
“At this stage it looks like four teams have already qualified and the 17 girls can make it if they can just get some luck go their way,” he said.
“Last year the cyclones didn’t have a 14s girls team but all four grades made the semi-finals and that was something that nobody else achieved. Queensland are very strong but even they didn’t do it.
“It was quite unique and if we can do it again, it would be outstanding.”
The Cyclones consisted of players from Country NSW and came from everywhere to take part, King said.
“We had one training run between selecting the teams and playing the competition so they have come together very well. The support from parents has been overwhelming too,” he said.
The 15s and under continued their relentless march towards first place in the competition, with five wins from five games and a chance to maintain that streak in their late match against Western Australia on Wednesday afternoon.
The local players in the side were Tom Atlee, Brock Larance and Mitch Lincoln.
The Cyclones 13s and under were well on their way to top spot in the competition with six wins from seven games.
Dubbo players Tom Coady, Patrick Nelson, Anthony Atlee and Jack Benias had been sensational for the team, King said.
A tight contest in the 17s and under meant the Cyclones were third on Wednesday, despite winning five of six games. They dropped a match against Queensland but also handed Victoria their first defeat.
Dubbo’s Emma Hughes and the 17 and under girls were unlucky not to be higher up the ladder but needed good results in their two games on Wednesday night to stay in the top four.
King said despite most of the players in the 14 and under girls being new to the sport, they had exceeded expectations to be sitting in third.
Competition will continue at Dubbo Sportsworld on Thursday before the semi-finals get under way on Friday. Grand finals will be held on Saturday.
