SMARTER THAN SMOKING CSC SCHOOLGIRLS SEVENS GALA DAY
Tuesday, 2 December 2008 1:15pm
RugbyWA
RugbyWA hosted the Smarter than Smoking CSC Girls 7’s Gala Day at McGillivray Oval on 20 November. Eighty Year 8 and 9 girls competed for the Smarter than Smoking Debby Hodgkinson Trophy, with eight teams entering the competition.
On hand to watch over proceedings and present the trophy to the 2008 Champions was Wallaroo and WA state player Debby Hodgkinson. Debby represented Australia at the last World Cup and has also played for the National Sevens squad. A number of girls from the Cottesloe Women’s team were also in attendance scouting the talent running around.
Teams were split into two pools of four, with all teams playing a minimum of three games. Following the pool games, semi-finals were contested to progress through to the grand final between Kolbe 1 and Kolbe 2, and Thornlie and Mater Dei 1. In two evenly matched games Kolbe 1 & Thornlie were eventually too strong and moved through to the decider.
The Smarter than Smoking Grand Final was a fantastic finale to the tournament which saw entertaining and end to end rugby. Thornlie shot away to a quick lead but were pegged back just before half time. The second half had a bit of everything; big hits, runaway tries and excellent hands leading to good team tries. Whilst Kolbe 1 had their chances eventually Thornlie were too strong winning 20-15. Thornlie were very deserved winners on the day but were pushed until the final whistle.
Overall the event was a great success with all attendees enjoying the experience. The girls played all games in the true spirit of rugby and were a credit to their schools and themselves. The level of skill displayed was impressive, particularly considering the lack of experience of many players. RugbyWA looks forward to delivering further schoolgirl events in the future and appreciates the support of all the participants, teachers and sponsors Healthway & Heart Foundation.
