GriffithUniversityRugby Sevens coach Moana Virtue said theteam learned some valuable lessonsafter takingfifth place inround one of the NationalAon Uni 7scompetitionplayed over the weekend.
Bond was crowned Nationals round one champions after defeating Sydney Uni in the gold finalon Sunday.
“The weekend result didn’t really reflect the way our tournament was played, the ladies gave everything and played some pretty good rugby,” Moana Virtue said.
“As usual we’re a team that fights to the death, which is a trait we love and thrive on however when crucial moments happen and we’re a second off the pace or an inch off the accuracy it can change a game and unfortunately this weekend we had a couple of those moments in crucial times and it cost us.”
The weekend competition marked the first time in this year’s tournament that Queensland teams were able to travel to meet their NSW counterparts, and gameswere boosted by theinclusion oftwelve players from the national sevens squad scattered across the six teams in action.
The first match of thefirst day ofcompetitionsaw Griffith beat UTS 22-17 with atry to AussieWomensSevens squad member Lily Dick and a double for Demi Hayes provingthe difference. Both Dick and Hayes study at Griffith and are members of Griffith Sports College.
“Our Rugby Australia Griffith contracted players Lily Dick and Demi Hayes gave everything every game with their work ethic, competitiveness and were just inspiring for our group,” Virtue added.
Unfortunately,competition rivals UQ and Griffith both failed to make the top four on day two of the tournament, but Griffith secured fifth spot by beating UQ convincingly 31-0 off the back of a double fromDemi Hayes and tries to Lily Dick, Chantay Ratu and Kahli Henwood.
Virtue says the team is now looking ahead.
“Wehad a few younger playerput their hands up for further selection for the final round,whichiswas awesome to seeand to watch theirprogress,their growthin skills, fitness and confidence,is what the programs all about,” she said.
“The final roundkicks off intwoweeks here inQueensland anditshould be another excitingjourney to be apart of.”