This year Sedge again went with a two team set with sides at both under 8 & under 9 levels. Unfortunately, we were just a few players short to be able to run an under 10’s side.

However, player numbers for the juniors were at a record high, with this only being increased further over the duration of the season.

During the preseason period Sedge under 9’s had two friendlies. They visited both Batley Boys and Keighley Albion whom we have developed some good relations with over the past couple of seasons. The fixtures were used to run out players from both sides.

The Yorkshire Junior League season kicked off on the first weekend in March. For a change winter 2014 proved to be a snow free and both sides were able to fulfil their fixtures.

The under 8’s went through the first month with three back to back defeats, however they ended it with an excellent 7-1 win away to Meltham All Blacks. The Under 9’s started off with four defeats. The first was a defeat by 7 however, the following three were very close games with defeats by 1 or 2 tries.

Both sides were welcomed visitors to Bradford Bulls for their fixture against Salford Red Devils. Both teams played half time fixtures under the lights and this was an excellent experience.

In April the under 8’s defeated Dudley Hill 9-5 and then went down to Moldgreen before the Easter break. The under 9’s only played one game and this was away to St Joesphs which they won in convincing style 13-4.

During the Easter period Sedge too advantage of the break in schedule to hold a Dads v Kids fixture. This proved to be a fantastic event enjoyed by all and hopefully this fixture will become a regular event in the Juniors calendar.

Following the Easter break the under 8’s played some tough established opponents. Despite losing the four fixtures in the run up to the Spring Bank break they were able to take some great positives away. The under 9’s Lost games to Bradford rival West Bowling and Leeds outfit Stanningley, before they got a draw against Stanley and game away victorious from a game against Irish Clovers.

During the Spring Bank period the Juniors welcomed Adrian Purtell & Adam Henry, the sides appointed Bradford Bulls ambassadors for 2014. The Bulls players were present to enable each player to receive their playing jersey for 2014. We were very grateful for the appearance.

In June the sides were once again visitors to a Bradford Bulls fixture, this time their Tetleys Challenge Cup tie with Warrington Wolves. In the League the under 8’s again continued to work hard, but this was not reflective on the scoreboard in each game. Again they came up against established sides but gave their all in each fixture. The under 9’s also came up against some tough opposition and lost all their league fixtures. Sedge 9’s were guests at Halifax v Rochdale and played three games following the conclusion of the fixture. Another enjoyable event.

With the mid season break on the horizon both sides played two fixtures. The under 8’s continued to work hard and the under 9’s went down by 1 and 2 tries in their games.

During the Summer break, Sedge were invited to a number of tournaments & events.

Firstly both teams visited Wyke to help them celebrate the opening of their new Shed. The under 9’s visited Keighley Albion for their tournament which again we hope becomes an annual event. The under 8’s then visited Eastmoor Dragons with the under 9’s making a trip to Lancashire to take part in a festival at Wigan St Judes.

The under 8’s following the 9’s footsteps with a trip to Halifax v Featherstone. They also played fixtures after the main game.

At the end of August Sedge took their turn to host the annual Eddie McGuinness Memorial Tournament. Both sides were part of this great event which attracted many visitors.

The league season restarted in September and the hard work put in by the under 8’s during the summer was reflective on the scoreboard. Whilst they were still defeated the score lines were a lot closer. The under 9’s also showed good progress with two good victories and two very close defeats.

One final visit to Bradford Bulls was also on the agenda for their home game against Widnes Vikings.

The season came to a close in October with our under 8’s losing one and winning one. The under 9’s went down in both games to very small margins.

2014 can be viewed as a huge success. Player numbers have swelled together with the development of the children.

The Juniors will be having an end of season presentation with further details to follow once available. It is anticipated to be mid to late November.

A big Thanks would like to be given to:

All the sponsors who helped to fund our playing kits & training jackets.

You the parents - without you brining your children to both training and games this year would not have been possible.

Our coaches -

Under 8’s
Head Coach, Michelle Scholes.
Assistant Coaches, Dave Leather, Dwayne Platt & Gary Fordham.

Under 9’s
Head Coach, Shaun Flynn.
Assistant Coaches Craig Burnham & Darren Breakwell.

Our resident Referee - Neil Waudby. This is a thankless job and are extremely grateful to Neil for giving up his Sunday mornings

The volunteers - there are just too many to name individually. From those helping in the cafe, to those being Touchline Managers, Stats Loggers, First Aiders, Photographers & Match Reporters. Again without volunteers the club would not be able to run.

The Drop Kick - for being our hospitality provider for post games.

And finally……….The lady that makes it all happen - Carol Regan. This lady is truly remarkable and without the endless amounts of time she gives up the juniors would not be in existence.