Sydney University Women’s Rugby side had four representatives in the Sydney side that won the Australian Championship, played at St Ignatius College, Riverview from September 26-28.
Lock Michelle Bailey, fullback Ashleigh Hewson, prop Tuaine Inamata and hooker Wellie Clark were members of the Sydney Women’s team that defeated Queensland 22-3 in the grand final for the Australian crown.
With teams from NSW Country, Sydney, Queensland, Brumbies Rugby, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australian and Australian Services contesting the championship, Sydney Women relied on a strong defensive pattern to secure the title.
They conceded just one try in the round robin matches, before keeping Queensland tryless in the decider.
Bailey, Hewson and Inamata turned in consistent performances to push for spots in the Australian team to contest the Women’s World Cup, to be held in Paris next year. Clark, a former England Under 19 player, also played well throughout.
Hewson scored 12 points in the final, with a try, two conversions and a penalty goal, and earned the Best Back award. She is pushing for her second World Cup, having played in the Australian side that finished third in England in 2010.
The 44-woman World Cup squad for 2014 will be named in the next few weeks.
