Central North U13’s girls coach Kath Little is hoping the weekend’s State Sevens U13 and U15’s Championships are only the beginning of their sevens journey.
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The Kookaburras sent four teams over to Coffs for the tournament with all four acquitting themselves well. Little’s U13’s were the best-performers finishing third.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls,” Little said.
Comprised of players “from all over the place” it was the first time they had ever played together as a team. For many it was the first time they’d played sevens, and for at least one girl the first time she’d played with girls.
”We went down there with the expectation of improving our rugby skills and having a positive rugby experience,” Little said.
After a first-up 10-5 loss to eventual state Gordon, they then beat Far North Coast (15-5) and Mid North Coast (22-5) to be placed second after the first day.
Little said they played their hearts out and praised their sportsmanship with a number of the girls also backing up for Mid North Coast and Central Coast to help them out on Sunday.
It was her first time coaching a side and she was encouraged by what she saw.
“It’s a great sign for women’s rugby and sevens rugby in this area,” she said.
“We’ve got some real talent.”
Now the challenge is to keep the momentum going, and Little said she’d love to see something over the summer for them, even if it’s just a training group.
The U13 boys, and U15 boys and girls also played some great rugby, the two U15 sides both placing fourth in their respective division.
It was a great learning experience for all of the sides.
“Sevens rugby would have to be one of the most physically demanding sports you can play,” Little said.
“It’s seven minutes of physical endurance.”
She said one of the great things about sevens rugby is the whole family can come along, and said the girls loved it so much they are hoping to be able to showcase their skills before Saturday’s National Rugby Championship clash between the Country Eagles and Perth Spirit.