Gunnedah Junior Rugby players Hugo Bradford and Lewis Mainey shone at U10 level while fellow junior Red Devils player Rafe Denovan impressed at U11 level as they represented Central North in the recent state championships.

Hugo and Lewis were selected from the junior Devils U10s while Rafe was selected from the U12s, after players from all over the Central North region gathered in Tamworth back in March to push for representative selection.

The U10s trained at Central North gala days each Sunday in the lead-up to the state championships which were held at The King’s School in Parramatta.

Along with the U11s, the U10s also attended trial matches in Muswellbrook and Scone where they took on the team from Brisbane Boys’ College.

At the championships, the Central North U10s began with a landslide 75-0 win against Mid North Coast before defeating the Hunter Wildfires 15-0 in a tougher contest.

Central North’s third game on day one yielded a 52-0 win against Sydney University West, before things were tougher the following day.

A narrow 19-14 loss to Easts was followed by a 33-0 defeat against Eastwood, before Central North bounced back with a 24-5 triumph against Sydney University.

Hugo and Lewis were rewarded for their sportsmanship and talented displays, with Central North awarding Hugo the ‘best back’ award while awarding Lewis the ‘best forward’ award.

The U11s competed at the Mudgee-based Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex, while Rafe was coached by junior Devils U10s coach Matt O’Keefe who had also coached last year’s Central North U10s.

Central North’s U11s started with a convincing 33-7 win over Western Plains, and followed up with a tense 7-5 win against rival Central West.

Central North and Mid North Coast couldn’t be separated, as they drew 12-all.

Central North had convincing wins against Sydney University (21-7) and Eastwood (29-5) on day two, before finishing with a 24-21 defeat against the Warringah Rats.

“Rafe played a strong part in the overall success of the team across the entire weekend which has been the best result for this age group for Central North to date,” Matt said.

“His strong running and defence were his biggest strengths.”

Matt said the success of Hugo, Lewis and Rafe came down to the support and commitment of their fellow players as well as their parents and the club.

“The boys’ willingness to continue to show the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship is commendable,” Matt said.

Matt said he looked forward to seeing more junior Devils represent Central North in the future.

Rafe Denovan. Photos: Supplied.