Secondary inter-school girls sevens rugby touches down in style in Glenwood

GIRLS from Western Sydney high schools showed off their seven-a-side rugby skills during an one-day tournament at the Alwyn Lindfield Reserve, Glenwood, last week.

An Ingleburn High player breaks free from a Cabramatta High opponent at Alwyn Lindfield Reserve, Glenwood. Pictures: Peter Kelly

GIRLS from Western Sydney high schools showed off their seven-a-side rugby skills during an one-day tournament at the Alwyn Lindfield Reserve, Glenwood, last week.

Sevens rugby is gaining unprecedented attention and popularity with the Australian women’s team just being crowned world champions and the sport being a part of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Blacktown Girls High School won the under-16 title while Chifley College, Bidwell Campus, lifted the under-18 crown to advance to the state finals on June 28 at Kings School, North Parramatta. The under-14s also took part in the event but didn’t compete for a title.

Action from the Ingleburn HS v Cabramatta HS game.

Glenwood HS take on Ingleburn High.

Breaking through in the Glenwood HS v Blacktown HS game.

Among the other schools which took part were Westfields Sports HS, Cabramatta HS, Glenwood HS, Ingelburn HS and Australian Christian College, Marsden Park.

Western Sydney Rugby manager for NSW Rugby, Stephen O’Brien, said the tournament was a simple introduction to the game as sevens rugby is less complicated than the 15-a-side game.

Jenny Aumua scores a try for Blacktown HS against Glenwood HS.

Action from Blacktown v Glenwood.

On the move: Blacktown HS v Glenwood HS.

Cabramatta players warming up.

“All teams were offered free skills training on the day as some of the girls were playing for the first time,’ O’Brien said.

Blacktown v Glenwood teams in action.

Out of my way, action from the Blacktown v Glenwood game.

Stopping a move in the Blacktown v Glenwood game.

Ingleburn v Westfield action.

“With the Australian women’s team winning the world series title, we are keen to build up the profile of the game and sevens is the best way.

Action from Ingleburn v Westfield Sports High. Pictures: Peter Kelly

The champion under-18 Chifley College team.

Westfields Sports High team

“It was a really good day with the local club and schools supporting the event with help behind the scenes.

O’Brien said they plan to have players from the Australian men’s and women’s sevens teams to attend the state final and speak with the students.

“There will be talent scouts at the state finals,” he said.

Glenwood High School players warm up.

Norwest Bulls Junior RUC, who play at Alwyn Lindfield Reserve, and Blacktown Council supported the event.