2009 started with a call for players in the U15 age group that were keen to develop further with extra training and games. The program included 12 extra training sessions and a commitment to the program. Early in the year the team travelled to Rockhampton to play Gladstone Development Squad and narrowly went down 16-20. Unfortunatley the other two games that had been arranged for later in the season were cancelled.
That left the squad with their end of season tour to the 2009 Michael McLean U15 challenge in Bowen in September. The inaugural challenge was named afetr Bowens own State of Origin player and attracted nine teams, Bowen Seagulls, Burdekin Roosters, South Mackay Sharks, Townsville Brothers, Cairns Brothers, Gladstone Raiders, Western Lions and Katherine Cowboys all the way from the Northern Territory. The compertition was strong with Premiers from the Townsville comp. Games were played in 15 minute thirds with 5 minute rest periods.
The weekend was split int 2 pools and we drew pool B along with Burdekin Roosters, Western Lions and Gladstone Raiders. Friday night saw 2 games from pool A being played. The squad had a meal at the ground and watched the first game between Katherine and Cairns, the boy's then new it was a different game all together with rucks quicker and general play faster.
Saturday saw us playing 3 games with an hour break between games, first up we played our local foe Gladstone, the boy's played well and lead the game for most of the match and narrowly going down 4-16. Our second game was against Burdekin, this was a strong game for the team against a side that plays in the Townsville comp week in week out. Everyone put their hand up and we were unlucky not to win this game as it was even till the last 5 minutes. Our last game for the day was against Western Lions a team that was big and mobile, the team were concerned with the size and the in your face attitude of their players. After the first 2 thirds the team started to put together some good sets. The result for the day was a 6-36 score line and a lot of promise. Grouping together back at our accomadation their was a few sore players for our walk down to the bay and a nice dip in the wet but very chilly water.
Saturday was a planned night at the local PCYC hall of a meal and the NRL Semi Final on the big screen, well the big screen did not come about but the meal filled us all. The team said it was good to mix with the other plkayers and they said they admired our courage for sticking in there against the Lions as they are a big side.
Sunday found us sore but ready for the game against the Western Lions again, but the team were better prepared in their minds, it was a tough game and the squad kept with the Lions for the 2 thirds of the game only being behind 6-12. Weight of numbers won on the day and the boys finished with a score line 6-24 well done.
All in all I know all the players learnt something from the year, I know I have. The score line in the second Lions game on Sunday morning shows it. I hope to see you all again next year on or off the field. I would like to thank those people this year that helped with the program, Bruce Pratt assistant and trainer, Kylie Lund FAO for the Bowen trip and Mark Lund runner and FAO Bowen trip. Also Julie Central Highlands JRL Secretary for the behind the scenes help with having the right forms completed for me. Also Sheldon Bobbert and Brad Goodship for filling in for the players that didn't turn up.
A year like this does not come free, to all that help in meeting our target a big thank you
No matter how big or small the contribution it is always appreciated myself and all the team would like to say a big thank you.
Boyd Vickers Coach
Central Highlands JRL wish to thank all that contributed to the 2009 U15 Development program. To coach Boyd Vickers thank you for all your time and effort, you went above and beyond your duty. To Bruce Pratt your contribution went beyond what was required and we give you a huge thank you.
The U15 Development Squad 2009
1 Blake Vessey (Blackwater) 2 McLaren Kopana (Moranbah) 3 Brenden Ingrey (Dysart) 4 Fletcher Jarrett (Emerald Brothers) 5 Connor Rouse (Emerald Tigers) 6 Jye Schafer (Blackwater) 7 Darcy Hardess (Emerald Tigers) 8 Boyd Vickers (Moranbah) 9 Kieren Pratt (Emerald Brothers) 10 Stewart Harris (Blackwater) 11 Sam Kenny (Moranbah) 12 Hayden Latchford (Blackwater) 13 Zack Walker (Moranbah) 14 Darcy Davey (Blackwater) 15 Mitchell Weinert (Clermont) 16 Corey Olzard (Clermont) 17 Sheldon Bobbert (Blackwater) 18 Brad Goodship
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