Sydney University Women’s Rugby Club had 10 players in the Sydney representative side that won the Women’s National Championship with a 35-3 result over ACT in the final at St Ignatius College Riverview at the weekend.
The Sydney University players were Ashleigh Hewson (capt), Emily Chancellor, Fiona Jones, Grace Hamilton, Michelle Bailey, Lope Leiataua, Brittany Leauanae, Iliseva Batibasaga, Kimberley Davey and Sera Naiqama.
Sydney went through the tournament undefeated, conceding just eight points in their pool matches and finals fixtures.
In a tight first half in the final, Sydney’s Hanna Sio scored on the back of some well-worked phase play, with captain Ash Hewson converting. ACT’s Tayla Stanford replied with a penalty and Sydney went to the break leading 7-3.
Sydney made their intentions clear at the opening of the second half when Hewson crossed for a try seconds after the restart. Sio, Evelyn Horomia, Kim Davey and Alexandra Sulusi also crossed for tries as Sydney exerted their superiority to claim back-to- back titles.
“ACT were very physical, especially in the first 10-15 minutes when they had us on the back foot and were playing with very good structure,” Hewson said. “We were frantic, but managed to compose ourselves, pull it together and come away with the win.”
“I’m so proud of our girls. The camaraderie in this team is unbelievable and I think that’s why we came away with the win, because we just lift for one another.
Scoreboard
Sydney 35 (Ash Hewson, Hanna Sio, Evelyn Horomia, Kim Davey, Alexandra Sulusi tries; Ash Hewson 2 goals, Hewson pen goals) defeated ACT 3 (Tayla Stanford pen goal/)
Final standings: Champions Sydney; Runners up: ACT; 3rd: Queensland; 4th: Western Australia; 5th: Country NSW; 6th: Australian Defence Force; 7th: Victoria; 8th: South Australia.
