Lions under-17s head for the finals

Woy Woy Lions Rugby Union's Under-17s' team is now second on the ladder with two rounds to play.

They are chasing their sixth premiership since coming together as a bunch of eight and nine year-olds.

Naturally, there have been changes over the years, but a core of about 10 have remained the nucleus of a team that has not only been remarkably successful but are described by the club's junior president, Sarah Doake-Stride, as the "best bunch of kids you could imagine".

"We have had some wonderful young boys over many age groups but this team has been outstanding," she said.

"They have not only been great on the field but terrific off it," she said.

"They volunteer to coach the younger ones, referee games, do the barbecue, clean up after matches and have even raised money for charity off their own bat.

"They played the grand final in pink socks one year while raising money for the McGrath Foundation."

Tutekohi Nick Nikora, who has coached them for the past three years, takes a quiet, yet determined and very positive attitude with his team.

"It is all about respect," he said.

"Respect for each other, respect for the opposition and respect for the game."

Email, 3 Aug 2016

Peter Fenton, Woy Woy Lions Rugby Union