The Illawarra under-15s were denied a maiden win in the Rugby National Gold Cup after conceding a try on the final siren to Central Coast in their final pool match at WIN Stadium last Sunday.
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Illawarra lost 24-22, while the Illawarra 17s were beaten 22-0 by Central Coast, as each team finished winless in their five matches over six weeks.
While the Illawarra 17s were disappointing, the 15s improved with virtually every game and were unlucky not to knock off Central Coast.
Illawarra trailed 17-7 at half-time then scored two tries to lead 22-17 before Central Coast crossed for the match-winning try on the final siren.
Escher Le Duc, Joseph Dickson and Bailey Antrobus scored Illawarra's tries.
Meanwhile, Central Coast proved too strong for Illawarra in the under-17s clash.
Illawarra skipper Cody Roman and hooker Blake Schoupp tried hard for the home side.
The inaugural National Gold Cup featured 48 teams from 24 regions who played five matches over six weeks.
The Victorian Development Side, aligned to the Melbourne Rebels Super 15 franchise, won the pool which included Illawarra in both the under-15 and under-17 divisions.
The competition, of great benefit to Illawarra top teenage rugby talent, will return next year.
