Cobar footballer Braith Good took part in this year’s 10th annual Easter challenge in Nyngan over the long weekend, and faced some tough opposition playing alongside his Far West Academy of Sport (FWAS) team.
The event is featured around the contests on the football field over two days of competition with six sides competing including the Far West Academy of Sport, Penrith Panthers Black and White teams, Parramatta Eels Blue and Gold sides and the Group 10 team.
Still only 14 years old and playing with the FWAS U16s, Braith was impressive to watch over the course of the weekend.
Coach Col Wright tested Braith out in a number of different positions starting off on the wing in the FWAS side’s match against Parramatta Gold on Saturday morning.
Braith had limited opportunities until he moved into Lock where he stood out making two try-saving tackles on the line, and also running the ball up and strong off-loading on Parramatta’s line which nearly resulted in a try.
The Parramatta side were well structured for their age and their size, and the FWAS team was defeated 48-0.
In the second game against the Penrith Panthers White team, Braith moved into the position of Prop which gave him have more opportunities with the ball.
Despite playing a better game, the FWAS side were again defeated 20-12.
Easter Sunday bought the Far West boys up against Group 10 and Braith played both Lock and his preferred position Five-Eighth.
Coach Wright was heard to comment that Braith was very versatile and could play any position.
The FWAS side played their best game of the tournament and were narrowly beaten 36-22 by their Group 10 opposition.
Considering the Sydney development sides train around seven times a fortnight, and due to distance the FWAS side have only been able to train twice in two months, they put in a fantastic effort.
In the final on Sunday the two Parramatta teams went head to head with Parramatta Gold having an 18-6 lead at half time.
Both sides were struggling with injuries from their physical games the day prior and the final also proved to be a tough battle.
At the final siren the score remained 18-6 with Parramatta Eels Gold being crowned the 2016 Easter Challenge Champions.
Wright said the weekend had once again been “a tremendous success and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely”.
“It is great to see the continued support of the Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers and it shows that they see it as an important part of their players’ development,” Wright said.
“An event this size just wouldn’t be possible without the support of many volunteers, businesses and sponsors.”—contributed
