Having a core group of players who have played at the highest level can lead the Western Combined High Schools (CHS) rugby side to glory at this week’s state carnival.
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Western has hosting rights to the carnival and some of the state’s most promising talents will be in action at Dubbo’s Apex Oval for three days from Wednesday.
Western is one of 12 sides which will take part and coach Gerard Hart, a teacher at Dubbo School of Distance Education, can’t wait to test his side.
“Some of the players, as well as playing for local clubs, have had experience playing for the Central West representative rugby side, NSW Country, Randwick Rugby Club, as well as some that have the opportunity to play junior rugby on tour in New Zealand,” he said.
“In relation to playing on their own home turf at the Apex Oval here in Dubbo, it has a playing surface that is of international standard, and the players I'm sure are keen to show their best rugby skills there … when they get a chance to play against some of the best CHS rugby teams in NSW.”
In something which is certain to add even more excitement, Waratahs star and Wallabies representative Ned Hanigan, a Coonamble product, is set to attend and take in some of the action at Apex Oval.
Western School Sports Association trials were held at Dubbo in March and from there the squad has gone on to have sessions under NSW Country Rugby Development officer, Angus McDonald.
The squad features players from Dubbo, as well as Yeoval, Parkes, Orange, Narromine, Cowra and Grenfell and is led by Hart and team manager Kieran Smith, of Dubbo College.
Western has been drawn in Pool D and will face Sydney North East and Sydney South West on day one.
“From the results of those two games we will be seeded into sections of the draw over the following two days to either play in semi-finals and finals or play off for positions in the group of twelve teams,” Hart said.
Teams have been divided into four pools with all teams playing two games on the first day. Day two will be play-offs between pools to decide the teams contesting finals positions on the Friday.
“Players attending are the best rugby union talent in NSW and I am sure they will enjoy the opportunity to play on our very own international standard playing surface,” carnival manager Amanda Thorpe said.
Actions starts 9am Wednesday with matches running through until roughly 4pm on Friday.
Matches are open to the public and free to attend.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
