The next group of junior players to celebrate is our Under 10 and Under 11s who had their prizegiving last week.

Players from each team were recognized with awards for most valuable players, Most improved, sportsmanship and forwards and backs of the year.

An exciting award for one special Under 10 player saw Camike Ferrira win the Austin Family Trophy for Junior Player of the Year, which is picked across the grades.

“Camike has consistently shown that she can not only match the other players, but also dominate them in most aspects of the game – whether that be on attack where she is smashing through tackles or using speed to get to the try line, or while defending where she often our last line of defence and has saved many tries from being scored. She has been a real stand out and has a bright future ahead in rugby.”

The grade-wide awards were for Most Dedicated and Outstanding Sportsmanship.

The Vikings’ Kayd Colebrook received the Gavin Heyward Memorial Trophy for most dedicated under 10 player.

“Kayd shows dedication his club, team, senior club, his own personal skill set and all round rugby like no other. He spends most Saturdays all day down at the club morning till afternoon, roaming the fields and watching all the games and supporting all the various Pakuranga teams and age groups around the fields and has been the ball boy for the prems, PDs and U85kg teams.”

Harrison Bartley-Smith from the Raiders won the Ormond Challenge Cup for most dedicated Under 11 player.

“Committed and dedicated, Harrison never misses a training session and consistently works hard to improve both his own game and that of his teammates. Harrison is well on his way to becoming a top-notch first 5/8 and while many players focus on running with the ball, he excels in finding space and takes great pride in setting up plays for his teammates.”

The Outstanding Sportsmanship awards honour two of our great Ranga men in Sam Prattley and Joe Edwards. Maddox Monkley received the Sam Prattley Cup for the Under 10 grade and Liam Badenhorst picked up the Joe Edwards Cup for Under 11s.

“Maddox is a great friend to all his team mates and cares for them as much as himself. He always plays fair and shows true sportsmanship, to coaches, ref, team and opposing team. Maddox also almost doubled in improvement for skillset on the field this season, moving into the forwards and really improving and growing as a rugby player. “

“Liam exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship both on and off the field. His commitment, hard work, and determination are truly inspiring to their teammates and coaches alike. He is highly adaptable and coachable, always listening carefully and adjusting his play to fit the team's needs and game plan.”

Off field a number of volunteers were recognised for their efforts.

Under 10 Viking coach Brad Colebrook received the Michael meek Memorial Trophy for dedication shown by a coach/manager or referee, Luia Koloamatangi won the Ed Nieklin Shield for most promising coach in a junior grade and Katherine Foy was recognised with the Junior Committee Cup for junior team management.

Josh Bartley-Smith and Jeremy Cole won the Chris Powell Trophy for most successful intermediate coaches, leading the Under 11 Avengers.

Most Improved Awards:

Forward of the Year Awards:

Back of the Year Awards:

Article added: Friday 13 September 2024