What a weekend! The Eltham U16s team came together in remarkable fashion for the Bendigo Goldfields 7s tournament, uniting passionate young players from Eltham and Ballarat with just one training session before game day. Under Coach Russ’s expert guidance, these determined players showed up ready to compete despite minimal preparation time.
The revised fixtures delivered exactly what we wanted — all U16 games packed into one action-filled Saturday at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve, with five intense matches played roughly an hour apart.
The team arrived fired up and ready to play, delivering fast-paced, attacking rugby built on heart, hustle, and pure Eltham spirit. Our boys wore the Eltham colours with immense pride! Thanks to incredible support and generous contributions from our community, the Eltham team marquee — complete with our striking banners — was the envy of the crowd. We kept our players fuelled and ready between matches with plenty of refreshments and a smorgasbord of treats that had everyone coming back for more, including hot coffee and sizzling sausages!
Throughout the competition, Eltham U16s absolutely dominated. The squad played outstanding rugby, showcasing exceptional skill, rock-solid teamwork, and true sportsmanship in every match. The fast-paced attacking style was a joy to watch from the sideline, and the team finished the ladder stage with a commanding 12 competition points — the strongest position among their division.
The tournament was an unforgettable experience, with our players giving everything in every match, building bonds, and showing tremendous respect for teammates, opponents, and the game itself.
We cannot wait to return to the Goldfields 7s next year — same squad, same energy, same unstoppable Eltham spirit! The journey continues as we build toward an exciting U18s XV team for the 2026 season. A massive thank you to all our hardworking volunteers, parents, guardians, Eltham Rugby Junior Club, and our Junior Coordinators for making this incredible day possible.
Go Eltham!
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