By
CAPT Julie Green
 |
|
The
Australian Services Rugby Union women’s team were valiant
in defeat against much stronger opposition at the NSW Institute
of Sport last month
|
The
Australian Services Rugby Union women’s team were valiant
in defeat against much stronger opposition at the NSW Institute
of Sport last month.
Nine women’s teams including State and regional teams from
around Australia competed in the Invitational Rugby Union Tournament
conducted by the ARU. The Australian Defence Force were represented
by the ASRU Warriors, a team of servicewomen from around Australia.
On the first day of the tournament, the 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-Nil.
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-Nil with three tries off the
wing.
ASRU also lost to a tough NSW Country side 8-Nil.
On the last day, with CDF GEN Peter Cosgrove there to cheer the
team on, ASRU were unlucky to go down to WA 5-Nil, 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 a team during a period of high operational
tempo, and secondly by demonstrating that the women too can play
‘running rugby’.
Those players that 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.
ASRU
Warriors
LACW
Stacy Greenwood, LCPL Tanya Cherry, MAJ Tanya Bennett, OCDT Sally
Carter, MIDN Amanda Eddy, ABBM Nicole Falkner, CAPT Jodie Forlonge,
CPL Kelly Hammant, CPL Jorja Jones, CAPT Vivian Law, LT Renae
Morris, CPL Mellisa Perrin, SIG Peta Rogers, SIG Renae Pearce,
AB Rebecca Weaver, LSMT Kristy Whiles, LS Stacey Omera, CAPT Julie
Green, CAPT Amanda Johnston, CPL Cassandra Sutton, LEUT (RN) Sara
Collen
Head
Coach - CAPT Chris Talbot
