HOME DELIVERY DOWNS GIRLS ON NATIONAL STAGE
Rugby reps to tackle titles
RUGBY UNION: Nine Darling Downs’ girls take their next step up the widening rugby sevens’ pathway this weekend.
Six players will line up for the Queensland girls under-17 youth teams at the national championships to be decided at Ballymore in the three-day tournament kicking off Friday.
Another three Downs girls — Alex McDonald, Ella Kowitz and Chloe Cocks — have been chosen in an under-15 development squad to play fixture matches in tandem with the national titles.
Downlands College student Darcy Reed is the sole Downs’ male player lining up in one of three Queensland youth boy’s teams.
Queensland will also field three girl’s youth teams with the Reds side featuring the leading 12 players including Downs’ 15-year-old Kayla Jackson.
Jade Ferguson has been selected in the Queensland Grey team with Taleah McGrane, Lily Black, Paige Edwards and Holly Anlezark lining up for Queensland White.
The Downs’ championship contingent is the biggest yet to come from the region with growing player participation numbers and pathways being reflected in the increased numbers. “Our youth girl’s club sevens and South West Sevens’ competition — now in its third year — are helping to provide the girls with ideal pathways,” Down Rugby general manager Mitchell Simpson said.
“And most importantly these girls are progressing on the back of talent and hard work.
“Kayla Jackson has been chosen in the best Queensland 12 which is a big achievement for a 15-year-old.”
Edwards said the players are looking forward to putting months of training into practise this weekend.
“I’m very excited,” Edwards said. “Same with the other girls.
“We’ve been training for about 10 weeks now, travelling down to Brisbane two or three times a week to learn new things.
“Hopefully we can show all the things we’ve learnt at nationals.”