Campuses from Coast kick clear in sevens

GOLD Coast campuses have burst out of the blocks in Round 1 of the inaugural Women’s University Sevens Series, led by Bond University’s silver medal.

Bond fell 15-5 to undefeated M1 rivals University of Queensland in the decider while Griffith University placed fourth after losing the bronze medal match 17-7 against Macquarie University.

The result in Launceston has the Robina and Southport campuses well placed respectively in the early stages of the four-part series which next heads to Macquarie’s Sydney fields on September 9-10.

Bond captain Stacey Flood said the team had progressed during the tournament.

“We’re not coming out with the win but we are coming happy to build for the next tournament and hopefully we can get the win there,” the Irishwoman said.

“It’s brilliant to have the Australian girls coming in to help their team’s talent depth.

“The talent is really good here, so as we get more game time it’s only going to get better.”

Australian University Sport chief executive Don Knapp declared the series is off to a “resounding start”.

“The calibre of rugby and sportsmanship conducted these past two days confirms there is significant appetite for national league university competitions,” Knapp said on Saturday.

“All eight participating universities fielded exceptional talent after months of training and preparation – I commend all teams on contributing to this historical, first national Aon Women’s University Sevens Series.”

LADDER: University of Queensland 20 points, Bond University 18, Macquarie University 16, Griffith University 14, University of New England 12, University of Canberra 10, University of Adelaide, University of Tasmania 6.