Mid North Coast were hailed the “surprise packets” of the 20th annual NSW Country women’s rugby union championships held at the Tuncurry Sporting Complex last Saturday.
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Featured in their first event as a team, the Mid North Coast side kicked off the day with a tightly contested 14-7 win over Central North.
Following this game, Mid North Coast rugby executive officer Bob Wilson offered up his praise for the side’s debut contest.
“This is a genuine rugby team and a massive achievement for women’s rugby on the Mid North Coast,” Wilson said.
Unfortunately, the side did not post another win for the day going down to Illawarra 18-0, champions, Hunter 22-7 and finalists Central West 7-0.
Hunter continued their stranglehold on the championships, finishing the day undefeated and besting Central West 17-8 in the final.
This was their 17th title win in the competition’s 20 year history.
It was noted that the number of participants for the championships had increased from previous events.
NSWCWRU chairperson Larry Thomson said opportunities that followed the championships were endless.
“The number of teams and players at the championships over the years has fluctuated, but regardless of the numbers, the championships have continued to provide players with a representative pathway,” Thomson said.
Forster Tuncurry was well represented in the Mid North Coast side through Felicity George, Jodie Thompson, Wendy Wilkins and Jessica Coble.
The championships are used to determine the line-up for the NSW Country women’s rugby union representative team, known as the Corellas.
Mid North Coast managed to secure three spots in the squad with Wauchope’s Kathleen Ostler and Kitiara Porter along with Port Macquarie’s Emma Gillogly earning a call up.
Teleah Kinnard from Wauchope will act as a shadow player in case of an unavailability.
Kathleen also took out the highest honour for the day, named player of the championships.
Head coach Steve Lee said the side could take a lot of positives from their performance in the championships.
“Twenty one women rugby players have done themselves, their team, their family and friends and the Mid North Coast proud,” he said.
The Corellas will feature in the Southern States Championships and the nationals championships.
