BOWRAL Kookaburras under-14s have qualified for their fifth successive Group 6 Junior Rugby League grand final.

Bowral defeated Thirlmere in the major semi-final last week. 

The Kookaburras will take on Picton in the grand final this Saturday.

Bowral finished second after the competition rounds and has played consistently all season. 

Jack Howard and Ben Mitchell have led the forwards with strong running and stern defence. 

Ryan Morton has slotted well into his new position of dummy half and Bailey Hunt continues to improve. 

Mat Abela courageously tackles opponents much bigger than himself and newcomer Josh Murdoch shows promise. 

Mitchell Bulfin's ferocious running has resulted in some great tries, highlighting his potential in the game. 

Unfortunately Mitchell is out injured and will be sorely missed on Saturday.

Halfback James Morton steers the team well around the paddock, while five-eighth Alex Dunn remains cool and calm under pressure with his accurate goal kicking. 

Centre Josh McGarry and Harry Brustolin-Nash create havoc with their line running and resolute defence. 

Outside backs Maddison Taylor, Bailey Gunning and Caleb McGarry never let the team down with their enthusiasm and commitment. 

Darcy Howard, at fullback, provides thrust with his incisive running and try-scoring ability.

Coach Peter Dunn has been meticulous in his preparation of the team ably supported by club life member and stalwart Mick Hyland as assistant coach.

The Kookaburras invites all Bowral supporters to come to Narellan to cheer on the Bowral team. 

The team plays at 10.30am on Saturday morning.

• By Wendy Howard

Rugby league juniors shine in preliminary finals

THE Southern Highlands had four representatives in the Group 6 Junior Rugby League (JRL) preliminary finals on Saturday.

The JRL matches were held at Thirlmere Sports Ground, with teams playing for the chance to be a 2015 grand finalist.

The Mittagong Lions under-11Bs team recorded a 34-24 win over Thirlmere.

However, the Lions under-16Cs side went down 32-16 to The Oaks.

The Mittagong under12As team also lost 12-0 to Picton.

The Moss Vale under-13Bs outfit had a 28-4 win over Narellan.

The host club Thirlmere did a great job making everyone welcome to its grounds.

The Group 6 JRL grand finals will be held this Saturday.