After competing at the NSW PSSA Touch Football Championships in Wagga Wagga recently, Braith Clark travelled to Melbourne to represent New South Wales at the School Sport Australia 12 years and under Rugby League Championships.
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The championships showcased the highest level of rugby league talent from all states across Australia for their age group.
It was an amazing experience for all players and a rugby league journey that they will never forget.
The event was a fantastic opportunity to continue to develop in all facets of the game.
The championships began on Sunday, August 6, with an opening ceremony, presentation of jerseys and first game of the tournament, which was between New South Wales Invitational and Victoria.
Two teams represented New South Wales this year and Braith was selected at half back for the New South Wales Invitational team.
Braith kicked the conversion in this game to level the score at full time for a 22 all draw.
Over the next two days they played some very hard, tough football in atrocious Melbourne weather conditions and went down to Queensland and the other New South Wales team.
An excursion for all teams to the MCG and National Sports Museum was arranged on Wednesday which gave the players an opportunity to take in the sights of Melbourne and rest before the finals commenced on Thursday.
The quarter final saw the New South Wales Invitational Team have a convincing win over Western Australia 26-4.
Another loss to the other New South Wales team in the semi final saw the New South Wales Invitational team play Victoria in the final and win 16-0.
This placed the New South Wales Invitational team third overall and each player was presented with a Bronze medal at the closing ceremony at the conclusion of the finals.
Queensland were represented by a very strong team and won the championships taking home gold.
The other New South Wales team was second and received Silver.
Braith also received the team trainer’s award for player of the championships for his efforts.
To represent your state at this level is an outstanding achievement and to be part of an event such as the School Sport Australia Rugby League Championships was an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
The championship provides an opportunity for the best players from schools around Australia at the 12 Years and Under age group to take part in a national competition.