Three Kempsey rugby union players, Chloe Saunders, Imeleta Tavete and Ruby Colling, were selected into the Mid North Coast representative side to compete at the recent NSW Championships in Sydney.
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Imeleta and Ruby represent the Kempsey Cannonballs women’s side in the club’s inaugural season in the women’s sevens competition while Chloe plays for the Wauchope Thunder.
Imeleta and Ruby stepped into unknown territory and were proud of their performances.
“It was mine and Ruby’s first time playing full games with 15-a-side. It was my first time playing a team sport out side of school,” Imeleta said.
“Even though we didn’t win, our team had fighting spirit and we didn’t give up. We gave all the sides we faced a run for their money.”
The two were rushed into the side at the last minute but quickly found their feet.
“I was surprised at how welcoming everyone was as Ruby and I were last minute fill ins and trained for four weeks while the rest of the side had been training for seven months,” Imeleta said.
“Predominantly we only play seven-a-side rugby on the Mid North Coast. The girls we versed play 10's and 15's.
“I realised it is a completely different game, we shocked their coaches at how well we were able to match them.”
There is a 15s side development day on May 27 for women’s rugby union at Bowraville Football Oval and everyone is welcome to attend.
The Kempsey Cannonballs side has had a positive start to their season in the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition.
