Bond University is looking to ‘go one better’ and claim a medal at the upcoming third round of the 2018 Aon Uni 7s series, following an inspiring win against Griffith University at the half-time exhibition match of the Qantas Wallabies vs Argentina match at Cbus stadium last weekend.
Coach Ben Gollings said the squad had been continually improving since the start of the series and was looking strong ahead of Round 3 at UQ this weekend.
“Canberra was a good tournament for us. The girls really improved from tournament one to tournament two and have really started to perform to their potential,” he said.
“We had a great win against UQ on day two to qualify for the semis, though it was a shame we weren’t able to kick on from there to claim a medal.
“Our aim is to make the finals in each tournament from now on.”
Gollings said he wouldn’t be making a lot of changes to his squad for Round 3, but was keen to preview some fresh talent.
“There are a few players I’d like to see take the field, who should definitely strengthen the squad,” he said.
“Gemma Walker is one of them. She’s a really good young half-back who offers a different dimension to what we’ve had before and it will be great to see her perform.
“Our Irish girls – Kathy Baker and Eve Higgins – have made a great contribution to the team. Even is an important piece of our puzzle at number 10 and it was fantastic to see Millie Boyle have a great first tournament back in round two, having returned to rugby after a year off due to injury.
“Maddie Schuck is also one to watch. She performed very well in the half-back role in Canberra and I think has found her suited position.
“The squad really learnt from their experience in Tasmania and took that learning onto the field in Canberra; if we can keep doing that for rest of series we should finish strongly.
Gollings said the team had taken a lot away from their half-time exhibition match experience during last Saturday’s Wallabies vs Argentina match at Cbus stadium.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for them as individuals, for Bond as a team, for female rugby and for female sport.
“It’s an amazing stadium and was a great crowd. The girls showed their potential and played to the crowd. They were relaxed, and to top it off, played great rugby.
“It’s fantastic to see women’s sevens getting the recognition it deserves.”
Bond University will face University of Canberra, Macquarie University, University of Sydney and University of Adelaide at the tournament being held at University of Queensland in Brisbane this weekend (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September, 2018)
Bond University’s squad for Round 3 of the Aon 2018 Uni7s 2018 is:
- Millie Boyle
- Georgia Page
- Gabrielle Senft
- Sophie Holyman
- Trinity Mamoe
- Jessika Elliston ©
- Kathy Baker
- Tarni Peep
- Madison Schuck
- Eve Higgins
- Gemma Walker
- Tyler Birch
Now in its second year, the newly-expanded tournament will feature 10 universities from around Australia in a five-leg series. Bond is very proud to be hosting Round 4 at its Gold Coast campus on 6-7 October.
Competing Universities
Bond University, University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of New England, Macquarie University, University of Canberra, Adelaide University and tournament newcomers the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney.
2018 Aon University Sevens Series
Round 1 August 25-26, University of Tasmania, Hobart
Round 2 September 8-9, University of Canberra, Canberra
Round 3 September 22-23, University of Queensland, Brisbane
Round 4 October 6-7, Bond University, Gold Coast
Round 5 October 20-21, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide
All Aon Uni 7s Series matches will be live streamed on rugby.com.au and UniSport Australia’s Facebook page.