An ASRU player breaks through the pack. Photos by Bill Cunneen, Service newspapers. It’s a tough sport but the ASRU girls have what it takes to succeed.

ASRU women play full of spirit

By Capt Julie Green
ON THE afternoons of July 24, 25 and 26, the ovals at the NSW Institute of Sport saw the invasion of a new breed of rugby player onto it’s ovals.

Nine women’s teams from around Australia competed in this years Invitational Rugby Union Tournament, conducted by ARU. Alongside state and regional teams, the ADF was represented by a team of servicewomen from around Australia.

On the first day of the tournament, the ASRU Warriors played Tasmania, newcomers to the competition. Despite the lack of a rugby tradition in the southern island, Tasmania proved to be a hardy opposition and ASRU had to work hard to win.

ASRU finally triumphed with two tries to Cpl Jorja Jones and one conversion. In the second game of the day, ASRU played Sydney Development. Unfortunately, one runaway try and the inability to cross the Sydney line meant that ASRU lost 5-0.

On the second day, ASRU played Victoria and NSW Country. Victoria proved to be the dark horse of the competition, eventually coming second overall. They beat ASRU 15-0 with three tries off the wing. ASRU also lost to a tough NSW Country 8-0.

On the last day, which saw CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove come to cheer the girls on, ASRU were unlucky to go down to WA 5-0, and lost a thrilling match to an in-form ACT 15-5. OCdt Sally Carter was the only one to cross ACT’s line.

Each tournament provides unique challenges for the Defence team. Unlike the State opposition, the Services team only competes once a year – in fact, they only train together once a year, coming together one week before the tournament begins. Despite this, fitness and the determination of the players to learn and improve usually spells an interesting set of games. This year proved to be no different.

Although the scoreboard did not reflect it, this tournament proved a success for the team – firstly by forming team during a period of high operational tempo, and secondly by demonstrating that the women too can play ‘running rugby’.

Players who deserve mention include Cpl Jorja Jones, the team captain, OCdt Sally Carter, vice captain, and Player of the Series Capt Jodie Forlonge. However, all the women deserve commendation for playing well against more experienced (and often much bigger) opposition.

Players:

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