The Gloucester Cockies is home to a team of under 17s girls who have been training since the end of January, in preparation for a rugby 7s competition in Port Macquarie.
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Unfortunately, the competition did not garner enough interest to get off the ground.
This was disappointing news for the girls who had dedicated their time and effort for three months.
They trained each Tuesday and Thursday and were very keen for a game.
After many phone calls and emails to the Mid North Coast Rugby board regarding the situation, the girls were entered into the Mid North Coast under 17s representative team to play at the Rugby Country Championships at Salamander Bay on May 13 and 14.
With that, eight girls from the Cockies under 17s team headed down to play their first ever game of rugby union.
They were joined by experienced players from Coffs Harbour, Wauchope and Dorrigo.
They played six games of rugby 10s - a modified version of rugby union where 10 players take to the field instead of the traditional 15.
Matches are run over 10 minute halves.
The girls came up against sides from Illawarra, Central North, Central West and Hunter.
The first day of the competition saw the side play four games.
They were defeated in all.
The final score didn’t matter to them, they were so happy to be there finally playing rugby.
At the end of each game, the girls ran off the field cheering and grinning.
They were having fun!
The following day, the girls were tired and sore but they didn’t give up.
They were determined to go out onto the field and give it their best.
The girls were excited to win their first game against Central West 22-10.
“I am so proud of the girls, they played their hearts out and showed great sportsmanship throughout the weekend,” team manager Jodie Whitby said.
The under 17 girls would like to say thanks to coaches Chris Marchant and Stuart Paynter, trainers Graham Sonter and Nigel McIntosh and manager Jodie Whitby.
After a wonderful weekend of rugby, the girls are excited and want to play more games.
Gloucester Cockies Rugby are hoping to host a gala day and a few home games for the girls throughout the season.
The club is looking to find more teams that are keen to play.
Interested players who want to join in the fun of under 17s rugby 7s are urged to contact Jodie Whitby via Facebook.
