Lucy Lockhart is walking the path to her World Cup goal one baby step at a time.
Just four months after having her first child, the Queensland Reds star was back on the field for Bond University in the premier grade’s emphatic 19-point win over the University of Queensland.
The 25-minutes of game time with the Bull Sharks marked the start of Lockhart’s push for selection in the Australian team for the Women’s Rugby World Cup starting in October in New Zealand.
“It was so good, although I did feel a bit wonky,” she said.
“My body is still adjusting to the fast pace the Bond girls play at. As a team we’re known for being quick and agile.
“I did a couple of hit ups and a couple of tackles and luckily for me UQ aren’t a very big team so it wasn’t like they were running over us, we could get our line speed up and make dominant tackles.”
Lockhart admits while her mind is switched back onto the intricacies of the game of rugby, her legs still need to catch up.
“I almost got a line run, I got the ball off a lineout throw and my head was faster than my feet, I saw the line and I went to take off and I stepped someone, and then I tripped!” she said with a laugh.
The open side flanker was due to return last weekend but was kept at bay due to a niggle in her quad.
Due to her reduced game fitness, Lockhart wasn’t selected for the Wallaroos squad which is taking on the Black Ferns in Adelaide next weekend, but she remains optimistic about her chances for the World Cup.
“The coaches and selectors are still open minded about that which is good. I’ve spoken to them regarding Zoe [Lockhart’s baby] so hopefully if I do get selected, they are willing to bring Zoe on tour.
“That would be great for me especially mentally, because I don’t know if I could leave Zoe for that long.”
Baby Zoe was tucked into the arms of Lockhart’s fiancé and Bond premier grade player Declan Dinnen during the game against UQ. The four-month-old slept through her mum’s efforts on the field but joined in the post-match celebrations.
“She was wide awake as soon as she heard my voice after the game. As soon as she sees me she has a massive smile on her face. Zoe is such a happy little baby, I am very blessed to have her,” said Lockhart.
Lockhart will continue to work on her acceleration and pace in the final two rounds of the regular season before Bond’s finals campaign begins.
The Bull Sharks sit third on the ladder, behind GPS and ladder leaders Easts.
“Our goal is to finish in the top two. The team is feeling really positive, I think we definitely have a solid foundation to build on, especially with new girls coming through,” she said.