UNE the rising star among chasing pack

Sat, Sep 9, 2017, 8:02 AM
Jill Scanlon
by Jill Scanlon
There was plenty of talent on show at Macquarie Uni Sportsground on day one of the Uni 7s competition in Sydney. Watch the best of the best right here.

Unsurprisingly, the medallists from the opening round were the leading contenders by the end of the group games on Day One.

Launceston title winners University of Queensland had another impressive opening round as the only team to register three wins, topping Pool A.

Captain Mackenzie Sadler seemed relaxed about UQs anticipated tactics for Sunday after the first day results.

“What we did last time worked for us,” she said.

 

AON Uni 7s team powering through a tough day one 🦏🏃🏽‍♀️🏈 Time to get ready for semi's tomorrow!! #heavies #3/3

A post shared by UQ Women's Rugby (@uqwomensrugby) on


“We have to go back, recover properly and have a look at our game and what we can work on.”

Bond University heads Pool B but only due to a points advantage after a classic contest with hosts Macquarie University in the penultimate match of the day which ended in a draw.

A try at the death by the Rays’ Olivia Brooks, which was subsequently converted by Aussie Sevens kicker Chloe Dalton, saw the match finish at 17-17.

As for the other teams, University of New England was the biggest improver in performance from a fortnight ago.


With a tick in each of the results columns, UNE finished equal in Pool A with Griffith University but had the best of the points advantage.

The Aussie Sevens contingent of Alicia Quirk and Hannah Southwell stepped up and led their less experienced team mates well.

Aussie Sevens coach Tim Walsh was impressed with the depth shown by UNE as he watched the final session from his position in the commentary box.

On the other side of the equation, he lamented the narrow attack from University of Tasmania which left their inexperienced players open to exploitation.

UTAS is very much on a learning curve in this series and despite the three first day losses will be looking to improve with each outing.

 

Ready to take on round 2 of the Uni 7s at Macquarie this weekend @auromas_7s #uniofadelaide #romahasit ⚫️⚪️

A post shared by Evania Pelite OAM (@vanipelite) on


Canberra joined UTAS as the other of the two winless teams of the day and will also be looking to learn from missed opportunities after a come from behind win by University of Adelaide in the final match where Aussie star Vani Pelite stormed through the UC defence and across the line for a late try to give the Romas a two point victory – their first in the series.

So what can we expect on Day Two of this second Uni7s outing?

Will it be more of the same from Launceston or will Macquarie be boosted by the undoubted local Rays support network which will turn out?

Will UNE surprise everyone and find something special to put itself in contention for a medal finish?

Whatever the outcome, day one of the Macquarie Sevens tournament in the Aon Uni7s Series has taken yet another step in highlighting the quality and the potential of Women’s Rugby Sevens in Australia.

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