ILLAWARRA'S junior representative rugby teams had plenty of positives despite losses to Central Coast in the Junior Gold Cup national competition on Sunday.
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Illawarra's under 15s lost their round-two game 24-13 after leading 13-12 with 15 minutes left, while the under 17s were overrun in the second half losing 34-0.
The Junior Gold Cup features 48 teams from across Australia and is a national talent development competition at under 15s and under 17s.
Each team plays five matches in six weeks, with Illawarra hosting a double-header in week three against Sydney West on Friday night and Sydney North Harbour on Sunday at Vikings Oval.
Illawarra trailed 12-0 against Central Coast in under 15s last Sunday before storming back through tries by Thomas Robinson and Swezly Marupo to lead 13-12.
The match was in the balance before Central Coast scored the match-sealing try in injury time.
Illawarra skipper Bailey Antrobus and try-scorer Robinson were outstanding.
The Illawarra 17s only trailed 8-0 at half-time before fatigue and injuries took their toll in the second half.
Friday's matches against Sydney West kick off at 6.30pm and 8pm, while on Sunday against Sydney North Harbour, the kick-off is 11am (under 15s) and 12.30pm for the under 17s.
