Despite the chilly conditions there were plenty of kids in all grades and plenty of willing helpers which made it a very enjoyable night for everyone.

All junior grades were in Mudgee on Saturday with the Under 13s kicking off the day in what turned out to be a very gritty encounter, the two sides remained neck and neck during the first half with Mudgee leading 12-10 at half time.

Mudgee skipped away in the second stanza posting another 12 points before the young Redbacks  turned the tables and started to pile the points on.

Two good tries to Max Mason and Oscar Boland almost got them home but the clock was ticking too fast allowing Mudgee to round out the contest with a 26-22 victory.

The highlight of the day came in the Under 15s when the Red Boars recorded their first much-needed win of the season, a tough game in all respects with the winner undecided until the final whistle blew.

Mudgee scored first after 15 minutes of staunch defence from both sides.

The Boars hit back soon after when Sam Ryan tore away from the back of the scrum and dived over.

Jackson Guy followed up with another when new recruit Jai Glover put up an amazing kick that bounced straight into Jacksons hands.

Mudgee scored again before the break but the Red Boars had the lead 12-10.

The Mudgee boys stole the lead back straight away until a blockbusting run by Kyle Richardson allowed him to score and regain it.

Another Mudgee try and it  looked like they had the game in the bag.

With only four minutes left the Boars were at the wrong end of the field but with the help of two penalties to get them where they needed to be the whole team lifted and off the back of that ‘never say die’ effort Sam Ryan got his second and the game was won as the hooter blew.

Final Score Red Boars 24 Mudgee 20.

Wellington’s Under 17s left me with very little to get excited about when they were once again dominated by a team they were more then capable of beating.

At the beginning of the season I thought this squad would be a certainty to make the finals and although they are not looking likely at the moment there is still time to turn their season around. 

Some of the boys in the squad are absolutely busting their gut but some it’s not enough a full team effort and commitment to the game will be required to compete in a tough competition such as this.

In the end Mudgee ran out clear winners with 29 points, keeping Wellington scoreless in the process.

Kenny’s Excited