Why this Coast school are the cup queens

A Gold Coast school have shed their bridesmaids tag and claimed a mighty state title.

BRIDESMAIDS no more.

Miami State High School’s concerted push in female rugby sevens has hit another jackpot after claiming the Queensland All Schools State Championships at Albany Creek in Brisbane.

In a weekend competition featuring 72 teams across all divisions and including schools all over the state, Miami stormed to glory to end Brisbane State High School’s long reign in the women’s game.

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In a quirky change of gender fortunes, the school only this season for the first time fielded a boys under-15 team, who went on to finish seventh of 12 sides.

Miami State High School rugby sevens state championship winners. Picture: SUPPLIED

The under-15 girls side also claimed fifth, but it was all about the open line-up who exacted revenge after two straight losses in the final of the state competition.

“It was sweet redemption,” school sevens coordinator Matt Chapman said.

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“It was a reverse of roles to have the boys coming in this year but we started the girls program four years ago and we knew there was a niche there. “We thought we couldn’t compete with the big private schools so it was nice to see that progress.”

Captain Jyrah Bradfield was named player of the tournament. Picture: SUPPLIED

It’s not just Miami that is enjoying growth in women’s rugby.

“They had to move the state championships from Ballymore because there were only three fields – this club had five fields,” Chapman said.

“And there were teams on the waiting list to get a start.”

Chapman hailed his squad.

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“There are a mixture of ages but the best thing about it is we had seven graduating Year 12 girls who were in the original seven who started with the program,” he said.

After winning their semi-final 40-5, Miami claimed the grand final with a 26-0 victory. It added to the school’s sevens wins at the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Southeast Queensland Schoolgirls Titles.

Captain Jyrah Bradfield was named player of the Tournament.

2019 RECORD

Miami 7s tournament: Equal 1st

GC 7s: 1st

Sunshine Coast 7s: 1st

SE Qld Schoolgirls 7s: 1st

All Schools 7s: 1st