After not winning a game for several seasons, Group 10 has qualified for the NSW Country Under 15 final this weekend in Nelsons Bay.

Group 10 won the final of the southern trophy, beating Group 20 28-24, to qualify for the final against Newcastle Schoolboys on Saturday.

“Groups 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 20 and Illawarra were all at the southern tournament,” Group 10 coach Dave Izzard said.

“I don’t remember these guys ever winning a game through the age groups, now they’re in the top four in NSW Country.

“I’m pretty proud of their effort.”

Izzard couldn’t put his finger on the reason for such a dramatic improvement.

“Maybe it was having a good coach,” Izzard laughed.

“No, the boys I think might finally be realising their potential. There is a lot of talent in the team, I think losing had just become a habit.

“With a couple of new additions and a bit more experience, for example (Orange’s) Brock Campbell and Moung Dut both played for southern country in the Combined Catholic College competition, they’ve been able to win a few games.

“One game they scored more tries than they had the previous two seasons, seeing them get excited about that was pretty refreshing.”