Corinne Medlin hailed the attitude and determination of her Dubbo under 12s side after success at last weekend's Don Green Western Junior Championships at Mudgee.
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The under 12s outfit was the lone Dubbo Devils side to claim a title win on the weekend and it did so in gripping circumstances.
The Medlin-coached outfit didn't have things all its own way and lost two of its first games on Saturday, but bounced back in a big way on Sunday to defeat Mudgee and Parkes and then claim the title after a tense grand final battle with Orange.
"It was really, really rewarding and more so because we weren't undefeated and had to fight hard and probably weren't the favourites in the final," the coach said.
"From the first day to the second they improved so much and they listened and really fought hard.
"They're all only 10 or 11 years old so they're very mature for their age and just have toughness and determination."
The Devils girls finished the weekend with a total of 23 tries scored and only five conceded.
On day one the side endured a win and loss against Orange as well as a 1-0 loss to Mudgee and a commanding 9-0 win over Parkes.
Another 9-0 win over Parkes on Sunday and a 1-0 win over Mudgee secured a place in the decider against Orange.
There was no extra time in the final and in the case of a draw the title was awarded to the side to score first.
That's who the Devils got their hands on the trophy as Brydie Chandler scored midway through the game, only to have Orange strike in the final minutes to set up a nervy finale.
"It was pretty tense," Medlin added.
"But it was very exciting for the girls to win it.
"There was 12 divisions and eight were won by Orange and three were by Mudgee so we were the only Dubbo team.
"We won it two years ago as the under 10s as well so that's pretty cool."
While Chandler scored the try in the decider the player of the final award went to Lucy Carney.
Carney also won the Devils' players' player award and Medlin described her as the "outstanding player" across the weekend.
Making the effort of Wellington-based Carney more impressive was the weekend marked her first representative tournament outside of school competition.
"We had a couple come across from Wellington because they don't have a representative team," Medlin said.
"We were a bit short because of injuries and things so we were really fortunate."
As well as the newcomers, the coach also singled out the performances and leadership of co-captains Billie Backus and Matilda Medlin while also praising the work put in behind the scenes by team manager Nane Smith.
While the under 12s girls were the stars of the weekend for the Dubbo association, there were other strong performances.
The under 10s boys, under 16s girls, and under 18s boys all made it through to their respective grand finals.
"We're definitely improving and closing the gap on Orange," Medlin said.
"They're still the dominant club but we're becoming more competitive."
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.
