UNDER 14s rugby league players from Camden Haven High School (CHHS) displayed their prodigious ability and commendable sportsmanship as they did battle in the statewide Buckley Shield competition.

In the divisional playoff, the CHHS Under 14 boys dominated Coffs Harbour’s Orara High School, coming away with a commanding 54-8 win.

This placed the CHHS boys in the top sixteen teams of the state.

On Wednesday 26 June they took on Warners Bay High School (WBHS), the Hunter area champions.

The quality of boys sides ensured a highly competitive match, with the lead changing several times throughout.

Warners Bay were first to cross the try line in only their second set of six, but the boys from CHHS had no intention of throwing in the towel and at half time the score was locked at 16-16.

The battle of the second half was just as intense, with both teams crossing the try line to level the scores once again.

With just minutes left on the clock, Warners Bay scored late to break Camden Haven hearts, taking the win 26-20.

CHHS fitness instructor Grant Mason told News Of The Area (NOTA) the boys “played really well”.

“It was a very strong game by both teams and I’m sure Warners Bay will perform well in the next round.”

CHHS Deputy Principal and Under 14 Boys coach Shayne Vonbun said the match was “a great competitive game that was played in good spirits”.

Despite the loss, Vonbun thought the Camden Haven boys were “predominantly the better team”.

“We had some bad luck and made a few crucial errors and this made the difference to the end result,” Vonbun told NOTA.

“Our boys are definitely up to that level.

“I was really proud of the team’s attitude, effort and intensity.”

Vonbun reserved special praise for Zeke Fahina, Jude Stricker and Nash Knight for their standout performances.

“They delivered when needed and they never gave up!”

The Buckley Shield is a statewide competition for NSW Comprehensive High Schools.

By Kim AMBROSE