'A huge success' is the best way to describe the inaugural season of the Highlands Storm Rugby League Club for Season 2020.
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The Highlands Storm is a new Rugby League Club created in late 2019, combining the excellent resources of the Moss Vale and Bowral Junior and Senior Clubs, and the Robertson Junior club.
In this first season the Junior player base grew by 21% and the club fielded teams (some multiple) in all age groups.
All teams throughout juniors and seniors competed very strongly throughout the season, and six teams were in contention for the grand final appearance.
Our senior men's side, under 14s and under 11s sides all made it through to the grand final, with the mighty under 11s coming away with the prize.
Success is measured in many ways at the Storm.
This season was also the inaugural season for Friday Night Footy (FNF).
Storm Junior Chairman, Matthew Burke said "FNF was a huge success, especially pre COVID."
"Our youngest Storm players competed in a local competition, which was carefully orchestrated to allow participation for all skill levels," Burke said.
"FNF will no doubt become a key part of the Storms junior development strategy, and a critical part of this is the interaction of the Senior Club".
Head Coach Steven Baines was instrumental this year right throughout the Club.
Bianes coached the men's side to the Grand Final, but also coached the Under 6s and 7s as well.
He was never far away from regular training and games for the entire club.
Storm Senior Chairman, Peter Howard supported Matt's comments on Baines.
"Steven has been great for the club and ensures there is no light between the Juniors and Seniors," Howard said.
"The Seniors were always willing to lend a hand to the junior sides, and the great news is that we have locked Bainesy in again for 2021."
When asked where the Storm is headed, both Burke and Howard are in lockstep.
"The Highlands Storm's goal is to field all senior teams from first grade men and women's right down to under 18s," Howard said.
"And for the junior club to field all age groups in both A and B grade levels.
"The last time a Highlands Club won a first grade grand final was in 2010 when Moss Vale defeated Picton, prior to that Mittagong won in 1995 and Bowral way back in 1968.
"Some of the lower grades have been successful through this time, with Robertson winning the Group 7 second division grand final this year.
"But, without a doubt the former dominance of Highlands Rugby League Clubs is becoming difficult to match each season, as the larger Northern based clubs with larger junior bases get stronger."
"We are very conscious of where we have come from.
"The original Highlands Clubs will always be the fabric on which the Storm is made.
"It is very important to continue to honor these original clubs in heritage days and through our Juniors.
"The memorabilia and history of these original clubs are now an integral part of the new Highlands Storm history."
The Storm have a fantastic committee, excellent coaches and a former NRL star in Harvey Howard as Club Coach.
"The Storm is looking forward to a very strong 2021 and beyond," Howard said.
"Ultimately we want to make Rugby League the premier sport in the Highlands," said Burke.
"It would be amazing if we could get the whole Mittagong Club and Robertson Seniors on board, then the Highlands would definitely have a powerhouse Rugby League Club.
"The door is always open to them coming on board, hopefully one day they can.
"And none of this is possible without our amazing sponsors.
"We know it's been a tough year for them, so please get out there and support these businesses as they have been instrumental in the club's success."
The Highlands Storm are now accepting coaching applications and sponsorship interest for 2021.
Registrations are also open from November 1, 2020.
The club would like to wish all its members a safe off season, and looks forward to welcoming any new members and players to come on board in 2021.
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