RUGBY UNION
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JUNIOR rugby union has been showcased in Bowral this long weekend.
The Bowral Blacks Rugby Union Club has hosted the 2016 NSW Junior Rugby Union Under-17s State Championships at Eridge Park.
The championship began on Saturday and will conclude tomorrow (June 13).
More than 500 people have attended the event to watch nine teams from across NSW.
Participating teams are Illawarra, Parramatta, Central Coast, Eastwood, Southern Districts, Central West, Penrith, Gordon and West Harbour.
Among the teams has been Illawarra, which incorporates the Southern Highlands.
The side has included Bowral players Max Vakapuna, Tyerell Deku, Baden Stewart, Matthew Dunk, Cheyenne Martin and Charlie Machado.
Illawarra started its campaign with two losses on Saturday.
The side fell 32-10 loss to Central West and lost 22-15 against Southern Districts.
On Sunday morning, Illawarra bounced back to record a 20-16 win over Eastwood.
The result booked the team a place in a quarter-final against West Harbour.
Illawarra lost that match by 25-19 on Sunday afternoon.
The semi-finals and grand final will be played tomorrow at Eridge Park.
Parramatta and Gordon will meet in one semi-final.
Central West will take on West Harbour in the other contest.
The winners will meet in the grand final.
Bowral Blacks committee member Tim Stevens said it had been a successful weekend of rugby.
"From a regional prospect, it's been a showcase of Bowral rugby union and the Highlands community," he said.
"We've received positive feedback that everyone has enjoyed the hospitality and community."
Stevens said there were plenty of talented players on show at the championship.
"Some of these teams are a nursery for the Shute Shield [top NSW rugby union competition]."