Moree Junior Rugby Union Club sent a team of under 12s junior Bulls to the annual The Armidale School (TAS) Rugby Carnival in Armidale over the weekend, Apirl 13 to 14.
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The TAS Rugby Carnival is the largest Under 12's rugby carnival held in Australia, with 51 teams competing in 2019, coming from as far as Canberra and Western Australia.
With more than 1000 players and approximately 2000 coaches, parents and supporters coming together in one location, the atmosphere was electric, exciting, loud and busy!
The tournament is split into five divisions, with two pools in each division.
On Saturday, teams played five competitive games, pooled against teams of a similar standard, with the playoffs for overall placings in each division being played on Sunday.
The Moree Junior Bulls were in division four and played some fast paced and hard-hitting rugby across the two-day tournament.
On Saturday, their first game against Lismore Junior Rugby Club saw the Bulls score early and keep the lead, resulting in a 19-0 win, followed by a 46-0 thumping against Tudor House.
The third game of the day saw the Bulls pitted against some familiar faces from the Tamworth Junior Rugby Club, where Moree played a solid defensive game and came home 25-0 winners.
The last game of the day, saw the Bulls facing Waverley College- Gold.
This was a tough match for the junior Bulls, drawing on all their energy reserves, they put up a solid fight and only just lost to Waverley 5-7.
At the end of the day, Moree Junior Rugby Union Club were placed top of their pool in their division.
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Sunday saw the two top teams from the two pools within Division four play off for first and second place.
Moree were up against Gordon Junior Rugby- Tartans in a match that had it all - lots of attacking play, plenty of defensive play, some big kick chases and a lot of serious scrumming.
The boys were down 14-0 quickly but in true Bulls style, they continued to play hard, showing their grit and courage.
The Bulls kept Gordon at bay until the dying minutes when the Bulls scored a try and converted, resulting in a 14-7 loss. This hard-fought loss placed the Bulls second in their division - a well deserved outcome.
The Bulls under 12s team played extremely well and proudly represented their club and coach.
Coach Austin Finlayson was impressed with the determination and passion the boys showed throughout the tournament, the team played cohesively and really stepped up when required.
With such a fabulous start to the rugby season, the mighty Bulls under 12s will surely be a team to watch in the upcoming rugby season.
"Whilst it is a magnificent display of rugby, it is also a wonderful reflection of the power of community," carnival convenor Will Caldwell said.
"From our parents, staff and friends who cater and prepare the grounds and logistics to the efforts of our visitors, some of which fundraise in their home communities all year to enable boys and girls to have this opportunity."