WOMEN’S rugby has taken centre stage in Scone this weekend with a successful Women’s Sevens Tournament coming to a conclusion on Sunday.
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As the only strictly women’s sevens tournament in Australia, the club has already given it the green light for 2018 – proving the support for the sport is going from strength to strength.
The Tuggeranong Vikings took out the tournament, captained by Scone born Wallaroo Kate Brown off the back of her Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance in Ireland.
The ACT side eased through the final of the two-day tournament, beating Maitland Surf and Turf 34 to 0.
The Maitland girls finished second on the ladder after pushing back the NSW Fiji Rugby team to third by one point on the buzzer on Sunday.
Wallaroo, Mahalia Murphy from the Australian Women’s Sevens team was on hand to rally on the girls and lend her support.
She said she was impressed by the calibre of skills showcased on field.
“The talent was amazing – it’s actually surprising, a lot of them havent even played before,” she said.
“But you would never know it.
“They just go out there and run their hardest and give it their all.
“They’re not afraid and they don’t give up – it’s definitely a good thing they’re doing here.”
Mahalia said it was excellent that everyone could get down in support of the sport but also that it was a tournament designed to foster different levels of skill.
“It’s great that some international rugby players could get down here as well – to have them here and help out the other teams is something you don’t see often,” she said.
“Everyone’s done really well and it’s good for a first year turnout as well.”
Despite a bit of wet weather, Scone Brumbies coach Brad Smith said the conditions didn’t dampen the spirit on the field.
“The talent showcased this weekend was impressive – we had some girls come off field beaten and bruised, proof that they gave it their all this weekend.”
“We are excited to give it all a go again next year – I think we are really building something big for Scone here.”
As the day came to a close on Sunday, Waverley Irish international player Eimear Considine recieved an award for top point scorer, while Kate Brown was awarded Best and Fairest and Lady of the Tournament.
Community Spirit Alive
Off the field, the community spirit was still kicking.
The Scone Country Women’s Association Evening Branch was handed over a cheque for $1,250 from the club.
“Brad was involved in organising the Sir Ivan Bush Fire Appeal hay run earlier this year and they approached us to make some lunch for the volunteers,” Scone CWA’s Lisa Bourke said.
“We already had a great relationship with Brad so we put our hand up at the first opportunity to help out with running the canteen for the tournament,” she said.
“We were joined by some volunteers from St Matthews Women's Guild Gundy.
“It’s an opportunity for us to not only support Scone but to support women in Scone.
“It’s also been really good to support the first tournament and we look forward to helping out again next year and seeing it grow.”