READY: The Orange Emus Juniors are looking forward to the 2013 season. Pictured are (back) Simon Oliver, Warwick Backhouse, Derek Scott, Matt Greatbatch, Anthony Cook, Jeff Ferguson with Matilda Ferguson, Dave Duncan, (front) Lachlan Duncan, Ben Scott, Tom Scott, Baxter Cook, Fletcher Ferguson, Charlie Ferguson, Cal Duncan and Leo Ferguson. Photo: MICHELLE COOK 0206mcemus
ORANGE Emus Junior Rugby Union Club plans to field sides in all six grades this year.
In 2012 Emus didn’t have an under 15s side but president Geoff Potts is confident the club can field teams in all age divisions this year.
The club will find out soon enough just how many players they have with registrations days today and on Sunday.
Potts said he was excited by the coaching staff the club has signed on.
“We’ve got some new faces there who have all got kids in the junior ranks,” Potts explained.
“They’re fresh faces and they’re guys who are keen.”
In the Wallas teams, Anthony Cook and Lee Cornish will coach the under 7s, Derek Scott will lead the under 9s and Darren Connick will mentor the under 11s.
The Wallas play gala days each Sunday and travel around the region.
They also play a modified game to introduce the children to rugby union.
For Emus’ junior sides, Simon Oliver and Matthew Hedge will take on the under 13s, Dave Duncan will coach the under 15s while Warwick Backhouse will mentor the under 17s with the help of an Emus first grade player.
These teams will play in the Central West Junior competition on Saturdays where they play a home and away season leading into finals.
Potts said the Emus senior club was working well with the juniors and a number of first grade players had offered to help the junior sides.
“The seniors are offering a lot to help the juniors. That’s great because we want it to be all aligned together,” Potts said.
“It also gives the young players someone to look up to.”
Today’s sign on will be held at Orange Emus (Endeavour Oval) between 5pm and 7pm.
A second sign on session will be held this Sunday from 10am to 1pm.
The junior season kicks off on April 6 and Potts said the young Emus players would start their pre-season preparations soon.
Anyone who cannot attend the registration days but is interested in playing with the Emus Juniors can contact Geoff Potts on 0412 146 329.
There is more information available on the club’s website at orangeemusjuniors.rugbynet.com.au.