THE two YUIN Snakes teams have once again made the South Coast region proud, thanks to their strong performances at the annual Nations of Origins competition, held at Raymond Terrace.
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At their sixth straight rugby league sevens tournament, the PCYC Shoalhaven Snakes recorded numerous victories, on and off the field during the two-day event, which involves more than 1100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across NSW.
Nathaniel Morrison's boys' team, which featured Kaleb Stewart, Jonah Longbottom, Jye Hendrie, Sam Stewart, Jarrad Omoeboh, Cameron Haydock, Kaijen Johnson, Jaxon Clarke, Jayden Simms-Foster, Jarrah McLeod, Kyan Hjaltason and Keith Gatt, won all four of their pool matches.
They opened their accounts with a 22-nil win against Worimi, which was followed by victories against Dharawal (12-6), Birpai (16-10) and Wiradjuri (18-12).
Unfortunately, the boys' team, captained by Jonah Longbottom, lost their quarter-final 18-14 to Eora - ending their title aspirations.
"It was once again a really rewarding week for everyone, at an event that just continues to get bigger each year," said Morrison, who was attending his fourth carnival.
"I can't speak highly enough of the boys group, who were the most respectful and well behaved we've had to date.
"They gelled really well on and off the field, which showed by their performances during the games."
Morrison also had rave reviews about how the Nations of Origin, a multi-faceted sport, cultural, education and leadership program featuring 20 Aboriginal Nations, has effected the boys in his team.
"It's great exposure to pro-social cultural modelling for all the boys - an aspect that has long term benefit," he said.
"It gives them a chance to play against cousins and develop relationships with players from other nations, similar to the big Aboriginal knockout every year on the October long weekend."
On the girls side of the draw, the Snakes, coached by Talia Atfield and Aimee Lonesborough, opened their tournament with a convincing win against Wiradjuri.
Unfortunately, this was the only time the girls tasted victory, as they lost tight matches to Darkinhung, Darug and Awabakal - seeing them finish fourth in their pool and subsequently missing out on finals.
During the tournament, the girls side included Moniesha Thomas, Jordyn Preston, Lily Rogan, Sarah Farrugia, Ella Branson, Chantelle Crockett-Christen, Bella Simms, Makyla Farrell, Latasha Wellington, Kahlia Brown and Maddison Healey.
The two-day carnival also included netball, football fives and basketball.