It was a tough, physical game to open a three-day campaign with, but Central West coach Phil English said his side had an "excellent" first game to the 2019 Positive Rugby Foundation Under 14 Boys NSW State Championships on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lining up against a strong Parramatta side, the Central West side lost 19-0, and while the two blues had possession for the majority of the game the host side continued to repel the advances of last year's premiers.
Bailey Park went over in the first half before Sione Hopoi converted to lead 7-0 at half time, and Hopoi added a try of his own burrowing over from the bottom of the ruck on the left hand side minutes into the second, converting his own kick.
Austin Durbidge found himself on the end of a brilliant kick from Boston Fakafanua and streamed down the right flank to go over with 15 minutes to go.
Hopoi missed the final conversion a metre in from the sideline to finalise the 19-0 scoreline, and while the baby bulls kept attacking and running into the strong front row of the two blues.
"It was a tough game," English admitted after the loss.
"It was really physically tough and our guys aren't incredibly used to that, but our defence was good, they were too big and too strong for us."
He said the two blues were "bigger and stronger and really well-drilled," but said his side would take a lot out of the game.
"They (Central West) were excellent," English said.
"I think as a team they all stood up. We spoke about three things, mind speed, pushing that breakdown and playing our game plan and I think they all did all three incredibly well."
"The Orange boys did incredibly well, they were really passionate about doing well and proud to be playing at home but when you play a team like Parramatta.
"If you have one week link they'll sort you out and I think they all stood up, it was excellent."
He said he loved the tournament was able to continue returning to Orange, and the new hosts Orange City had done a "fantastic job" after co-hosting the tournament with Emus in years past.
"It's just a really, really enjoyable tournament to come along to," English said.
"You're always learning as players, we've learned from the last couple of years we've been down here, the last time we played Parramatta they whipped us but we've come back bigger and stronger and faster.
"It's difficult to play against these city teams they play a hard, fast game of football every weekend and for our guys it gives you an idea where they sit in quality in terms of where city and state is concerned."
Results for the rest of Saturday morning's games have yet to be published online, but Central West played again at 1pm and at 4pm on Saturday, with one more game on Sunday before finals begin.