A GROUP of young Windsor Wolves defied adversity to go on and win the Penrith and District Junior Rugby league grand final.
The division one under-15s team conquered many obstacles, including a 14 point half time deficit to win the title.
One of the first obstacles was finding coaching and support staff for the team.
Team manager Lisa-Marie Phipps came on board shortly before the start of the season, alongside coach Steve Cameron.
Ms Phipps said there was originally difficulty in finding a coach, and as the mum of one of the players, she decided to step up.
‘‘We had a new coach and new trainers and me as the new manager and a number of new players in the team coming from different clubs, which is something we hadn’t had in a few years,’’ she said.
‘‘We had to get them all to learn how to play together as a team. I think the extra-curricular activities we have been doing brought the boys a bit closer.’’
Ms Phipps said many of the team’s players came from challenging backgrounds, and was proud to see how many had matured, not just this season, but over a number of years.
‘‘They really are a good bunch of kids. They have a lot of respect for me and the coaches,’’ she said.
‘‘I’ve watched them grow from little fellows to young men over the last couple of years and it is really special.’’
She said that in the grand final, the young men were down 18-4 at half-time, and clawed their way back to 18-18 at full-time.
‘‘In the last 43 seconds of the second half of extra time, one of my boys went over to score a try to win the game,’’ she said.
‘‘They could have kicked the field goal but they went for the try.’’
The season is over but the Wolves now have a new challenge.
Every year, the club sends the under-15s on a trip to New Zealand to play games and learn about the culture in New Zealand.
Ms Phipps said with the late appointment of coaching staff, the Wolves had fallen behind in their fundraising.
‘‘I’ve got them out very early on Saturday mornings cooking sausages so they can get to New Zealand so they haven’t just left it to the parents,’’ she said.
‘‘Basically we are looking for any opportunity to raise some money. Anybody who can help would be amazing.’’
She said the goal was to take 20 players plus four adults to Auckland, Rotorua and Hopu Hopu.
She said anyone who wanted to help could contact her on 0426 252 121.
