Albury-Wodonga Football Association's under-13 boys crowned NSW Country champions

The side won pool matches against Shoalhaven, far South Coast, Orange, Dubbo and Southern Tablelands and took down Dubbo, 4-1, in the decider.

It was just the second tournament for the representative players in two years after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the 2020 schedule and has impacted events this season.

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"We went to Bathurst at the start of the year and fell short in the Bathurst Cup, but the boys have got some miles in the legs playing every week in AWFA and were more match fit," coach Brad Howard said.

"They really showed their credentials up there. They're just a terrific team.

"We didn't get any rep games last year because of our season not getting underway, so it's great to give these boys some reward for their efforts."

The side wants to conquer both states, with its focus shifted to the Victorian Country Championships in Geelong in October, after it was postponed on the Queen's Birthday long weekend.

"It's been deja vu for us before every rep tournament. Thankfully they gave us that option (to play in October) instead of cancelling it," Howard said.

"Restrictions changed overnight (in Orange), so on finals day we turned up with masks on. We were just happy to get it finished."

AWFA's under-12 boys finished third in their age group at an equivalent NSW Country event in Griffith.

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