A SECOND training session for players taking part in next year’s inaugural Lower North Coast women’s rugby sevens competition will be held on Thursday from 6pm at the Forster-Tuncurry Dolphins fields in north Tuncurry.
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Players from all teams, as well as those interested in trying rugby are welcome to attend.
New South Wales coaches Tom Davidson and Paddy Bowen were at Nabiac for a coaching clinic to prepare players for the keenly anticipated competition.
The session was open to players from any team in the Lower Mid North Coast. Around 20 players were involved.
Both coaches used their vast depth of knowledge to work alongside Wallamba coach Lee Sullivan. They put players from Taree, Forster, Old Bar and Wallamba through their paces with skills and drills that tested fitness and ball handling skills.
The last 30 minutes of the session saw the girls split into two teams for a game of tag rugby. After some quick instructions from Tom the sides played a fast and furious game of rugby with plenty of passing and aggressive defence. Only one try was scored in the 30 minute game.
“I’m excited by the turnout and the skills that we got to practice tonight and was grateful to Tom and Paddy for the session,’’ head of women’s rugby at Wallamba, Ash Lambourne said.
“ It’s really great to see so many women embracing the game and from all different age groups. I just can’t wait for the season-proper to begin.”
Lee Sullivan was equally impressed with the turnout and the way the girls’ skills are coming together.
“This is the first time a women’s rugby competition has been attempted on the Lower Mid North Coast and while it is still early days, the signs are extremely promising for a strong future for the game.”
A gala day held at Taree in September was the catalyst for the start of the women’s competition.
At this stage it appears Gloucester, Manning Ratz, Forster-Tuncurry, Wallamba and Old Bar will field teams. It is not known if Myall Coast will have a side.
Gloucester played in the Mid North Coast competition this year which involved travelling to Coffs Harbour for some matches.
It is planned to play the women’s games before the men’s fixtures in the Lower North Coast competition in 2018.
Mid North Coast proved to be competitive in the NSW Country Women’s (15-a-side) Championships played at Tuncurry this year.
The zone also featured in the State sevens played recently in Sydney.
The 2018 Lower North Coast season is expected to kick off next April, with the zone’s annual meeting this month.