RUGBY UNION
Forbes rugby union’s under 14s and under 16s are central west premiers!
“Unreal” was how Forbes Rugby Union’s junior club president Dan Beard described the efforts of the two sides in two tough grand finals against Dubbo Roos Blue teams at Bathurst on Saturday.
Both sides recorded a loss in the first week of finals, but found their resolve and their next level to put in outstanding performances on grand final day.
“It showed great character, great resolve of the players and coaches,” Beard said.
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“The commitment just shows and we couldn’t be any prouder of our little club.”
Forbes’ 16s triumphed 43-21, Thompson Hurford running in three tries and Ash Kennedy two with Frank McMahon and Bobby Mundy adding one apiece for the total.
Mac Glasson, four goals, was outstanding and received man of the match honours for his efforts.l guiding the team around the park.
The 16s fell behind to an individual Dubbo effort early, but realised that this was a glitch and stuck to their game plan, before hitting back through a classy backline move and try to McMahon.
An unfortunate head knock to a Dubbo player meant the game moved to the adjacent ground mid way through he first half, but to the platypi credit they continued with their pressure with Hurford scoring from a scrum move to get the halftime score 12-7 to Forbes.
After the break Dubbo came out needing to get back in the game and scored under the posts early to go up 14-12.
Forbes replied with 5 straight tries as they dominated ground position and possession for most of the 2nd half.
A series of mistakes and then a penalty just inside dubbos 22 saw Glasson take a quick tap and combine with Bobby Mundy for a try down a short blind 17-14.
Pressure from the Forbes team had them camped in Dubbos 22 and an inside ball from Glasson to Kennedy fooled the Dubbo backs with Kennedy steam rolling the dubbo pack to score adjacent to the posts 24-14.
Alex Honeywell turned the ball over near halfway, before an offload to hurford for his 2nd try which was converted for 31-14.
Dubbo hit back to stay in the game though a forward charge to make it 31-21 and the game not over just yet with nearly 15 minutes left.
But Forbes was in control of all facets of the game and excellent forward work had Forbes just short, before a smart short ball from half max Douglass to Kennedy to crash over for the sealer 38-21.
Another quick tap and blindside raid similar to before saw Hurford put the cream on the cake for his hat trick to make the final score 43-21.
A battle between the the 2 top teams but Forbes played entertaining rugby mixed with game control to win the u-16s title for the first time.
The Platypi U14s scored the grand final's opening try when No. 8 Tom Vonthien crashed over next to the posts in the 7th minute with Eli Bowden-Boland adding the extras.
Dubbo replied with a converted try in the 13th minute to take the score to 7-7, then took a 12-7 lead with another try in the 18th minute.
Inspirational captain Tom Johnson intercepted a Dubbo pass off the line-out to score two minutes later with Eli again adding the extras to put Forbes back in front 14-12.
But when Forbes had a player sin-binned Dubbo swooped, scoring out wide to take it to 17-14 then extending their lead to 22-14 with 14 minutes to go.
Another barnstorming run by Tom Vonthien swung the momentum back Forbes' way, with Eli's kick narrowing the gap to 22-21.
Forbes was down a player again, with another sin bin following a controversial call, but with minutes left, Eli Bowden-Boland scored a great 50-metre individual try with Ned Glasson adding the extras bringing the score to 28-22.
The young Platypi just held Dubbo out through the game's dying stages for the win.
Manager Matt Hazell described the victory as a true team effort, especially given the side had three injuries early in the game.
Every player gave it everything they had to win.
Tom Vonthien was named player of the grand final and was a stand out for Forbes, along with captain Tom Johnson and Eli Bowden-Boland.
They’re a credit to their coaches, all long associated with Forbes rugby union, and testament to the club’s consistency and effort, Beard said.
Their success also reflects the club’s commitment to a good culture and family environment.
The club will celebrate junior presentations this weekend, and will open up registrations for the 2026 season in the new year.
Follow Forbes Rugby Union Club on social media to keep up to date.
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