Four Young Cherrypickers have stamped their mark on the Group Nine competition after receiving recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the 2014 season.
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Among the standouts is Under 18s ‘Picker Matt Murray who, in an exciting finish to the Weissel Cup count, finished equal first with Wagga Brothers’ Ed Ansel.
Both finished on 25 votes, three points clear of Gundagai’s Derek Hay.
According to Under 18s coach Kel Veney, despite competing against skilled footballers a year older than him Murray continued to shine in the form of good attacking, a strong kicking game and he never stopped trying.
“He is a player that always tries something to get the team on the front foot... he has won several games with his individual brilliance,” Veney said.
“He was up against a lot of good footballers a year older than him in this age group so he’s done really well.
“It’s a great achievement for a lot of hard work and perseverance, his hard work and toughness shone through. He’s a tough little fella and cops a fair bit, but gets up, dusts himself off and goes again.”
This isn’t the first time the half back has excelled in the Group Nine competition. Back in 2013 Murray took the runner-up title for the Weissel Medal in the Group Nine’s Sullivan Cup Under 16s competition.
Club president Steve Woolford received the award on behalf of Murray who is currently in Tasmania on a Rugby Union tour.
“We’re happy with Matt, especially considering they (the Under 18s) didn’t make the grand final,” Woolford said.
“Young Under 18s lost more games that what they won, so to be equal first I think is a huge effort.”
Murray wished to extend a big thank you to his parents, former coaches and everyone who has helped him over his 10 years with the ‘Pickers, saying he couldn’t have achieved what he has alone.
“It was nice to be recognised, but I couldn’t do it without my team and coach, so a big thanks to them,” he said.
Also making their mark on the Group Nine competition this year are First Grade Cherrypickers Luke Sneddon, Jack Hetherington and captain-coach Luke Branighan who scored themselves a place in the Group Nine Team of the Year.
The team listing consists of what Group Nine team coaches consider the competition’s best players – excluding their own club - with consistency being a major factor in the selections according to Woolford.
“The main reason why they were selected is that they’ve been our three most consistent players who have been playing consistent footy week in week out,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest reason why they’ve been picked.”
And with a further two players making the cut this year over a single selection in 2013, there is extra reason for the club to celebrate.
“To get three in is certainly a good effort, considering the quality of players out there at the moment in the likes of Albury and South City,” Woolford said.
For Branighan this marks the second time in two years he has made the listing, overcoming 2011 Group Nine Coach of the Year Daniel Fitzhenry to secure the halfback position.
“ To me Luke’s probably the number one halfback in the group I’d think, without being too biased,” Woolford said.
“He is a general on the field, he’s just a brilliant organiser; a cut above anyone else I think.”
Joining Branighan is teammate Jack Hetherington who was a favourite centre among Group Nine coaches.
The 18-year-old’s biggest strength is his running game, although an all-rounder being strong in defence.
“He is a good defender don’t get me wrong, but the way he runs the ball and the ability to hit a hole is Jack’s biggest attribute,” Woolford said. “He does it better than anyone I’ve seen around at the moment.”
A special highlight in the team was Sneddon, earning a place on the bench.
The second-rower shows great skill in both defence and attack week in, week out, with his biggest attribute being his consistency in giving 100 per cent every week.
As far as the Young Cherrypickers Rugby League Club is concerned, the listing is an excellent achievement, with the only team with a higher selection being the 2014 premiers.
“The only club that did better is Albury so to be up there with South City and Albury, as a club, we’re very happy,” Woolford said.