NSW girls country, regional rugby academies stars at Dubbo, plans for future tournament
Four teenagers got special mention as the best rugby girls in country and regional NSW clashed in an event organisers have big plans for. Stars, result wrap from the Dubbo tournament.
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Four teenagers stood out from the pack as the best young rugby girls in country and regional NSW clashed in an tournament organisers have big plans for in the future after an “amazing’’ inaugural event.
The regional rugby academies mini tournament at Dubbo has been hailed a resounding success and has unearthed new talent – including four youngsters who turned plenty of heads.
NSW Rugby Pathways program manager Joey de Dessel said not only was the three-day event at Dubbo, held alongside the Waratahs women’s camp, a huge success, but it is here to stay.
De Dessel said there are also discussions ahead about adding an under 18 division next year so current under 16s players can return for another battle in what is planned to be an annual tournament.
“They all just love their rugby and we want to give them more opportunity to play,” de Dessel said.
“We’d love to expand this and we will have a debrief, which will include the Waratahs.
“I’d have to say a big part of success was having the Super W players there. They ran water for the team, were there for jersey presentations and helped the teams warm up.
“We will look at adding teams, potentially from Sydney Metro next year.
“And we could look to add an under 18s division as well as a team from the ACT.’’
The Hunter/Central Coast under 14s team were the stars of the show in their age group, beating the South West Academy 31–22 in their first game and then Northern NSW Academy on day two after amassing a whopping 39 points.
De Dessel said Anna Scott, a No. 8 from South West, and Hunter/Central Coast gun Rylee Cash were standouts in the 14s competition.
“Rylee really took control of the speed of the game,’’ he said.
“She is a cut above. A real fighter.
“The forward packs in the under 14s were very evenly matches and very physical.
“She was the difference.
“Anna was a devastating ball runner who got her team on the front foot in both games.’’
He identified Emily Dietrich from the Northern NSW Academy and teammate Zahlie Cabot Hooker as stars of the 16s matches.
“Emily really controlled both games well, picked her moments to run and has great skills,’’ he said.
“Zahlie was a brutal defender and great at the breakdown.’’
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Originally published as NSW girls country, regional rugby academies stars at Dubbo, plans for future tournament
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