Clockwise: Keira Macaskill (with ball, 13) Alexander Heights, Melodie Toby (14) Ballajura, Grace McFillin (13) South Lake, Shanika Rowe (11) Byford, Aroha Reedy (13) Canning Vale, Liana Tuhakaraina (12) Casuarina, April Alan (13) Wellard, Cara Gerber (13) Currambine, Shontae Jetta (13) Cockburn, Shiane Kani (14) Armadale. The Nedlands girls 7s are getting ready to head over to an international rugby tournament in Hong Kong. They won the Junior Sports Star Team in last year’s Local Sports Star awards.
Camera IconClockwise: Keira Macaskill (with ball, 13) Alexander Heights, Melodie Toby (14) Ballajura, Grace McFillin (13) South Lake, Shanika Rowe (11) Byford, Aroha Reedy (13) Canning Vale, Liana Tuhakaraina (12) Casuarina, April Alan (13) Wellard, Cara Gerber (13) Currambine, Shontae Jetta (13) Cockburn, Shiane Kani (14) Armadale. The Nedlands girls 7s are getting ready to head over to an international rugby tournament in Hong Kong. They won the Junior Sports Star Team in last year’s Local Sports Star awards. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au

Rugby union: Nedlands girls on top of the world after Hong Kong tournament win

Jessica WarrinerWestern Suburbs Weekly

THE Nedlands Rugby Union club girls are on top of the world.

The under-14s team have won the All Girls Rugby Tournament in Hong Kong, playing as ‘Neddies and Allies’ with a composite side featuring some players from other clubs in the Perth metro area.

Coach Alan McFillin said the girls played sides from across Asia and Australia, taking on Queensland in the final for a 26-21 win in the sevens competition.

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“We scored the winning try after the hooter had gone with no time left on the last play of the game,” he said.

“To see the girls run on to the field after we scored the winning try to celebrate together is what it’s all about.”

April Alan and Shiane Kani were named players of the match in the final, Keira MacAskill was team person of the tournament, Rosie McGehan was most improved over the tournament, and Grace McFillin was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr McFillin said the win showed the incredible talent and ability of WA’s junior girls.

“Many girls in our debriefing after the game described the trip and win and once in a lifetime,” he said.

“To be honest, I know these girls will have many, many more trips of a lifetime like this, because we are blessed with absolutely talented female individuals here in WA in the code of rugby.”

The team has their sights set on the next challenge – America.

“Our next opportunity is a tournament in America this coming August,” Mr McFillin said.

“We do need to secure sponsorship for a trip like this, but after what our girls did in Hong Kong we feel we can again perform well and show our ‘never give in’ attitude.”

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