Annual_Report_2007_file

							Hunter Women’s Rugby Union




ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2007
          2007 HUNTER WOMEN’S RUGBY UNION BOARD
President                   Nov ’06 – May ’07            Justine Whipper
                            Jun ’07 – Nov ’07            Kelly Sager

Vice President                                           Rebecca Trethowan
(Competition)

Vice President                                           Kelly Sager
(Development)

Vice President                                           Louise Morrison
(Promotion & Marketing)

Secretary                                                Jodie Enderby

Treasurer                                                Melissa Smith

Registrar                                                Vacant
                                                         (Joy Wyatt acting)

Committee                                                Rebecca Bartley
                                                         Laura Brisbane
                                                         Gerry Mason


The Hunter Women’s Rugby would like to thank our major sponsors for 2007.
 Without their valuable support, the Hunter competition could not continue to
            provide the platform for women’s rugby in the region




Please note this year’s financial report prepared by our Treasurer is available as an appendix
                    to this report, as it was unavailable at time of printing




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                             PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2007 saw the Hunter Womens Rugby Union (HWRU) celebrate 10 years of Competition in the
Newcastle and Hunter areas. The HWRU successfully facilitated a 7 team competition with all
teams competing in 1 division for the Wal Fitzgerald Cup. The Newcastle University Club took
out the competition in 2007 with a 6-3 win over last years premiers Wanderers.

During 2007 the HWRU hosted 2 Representative fixtures including the annual NSW Country
Championships and the annual City V Country fixture. The NSW Country Championships
were held with the co-operation of the Polkolbin Rugby Club and took place at the Hunter
Valley Gardens. This enabled the HWRU to expose the Cessnock and surrounding areas to
Womens Rugby Union. The tournament was a great success and once again the HWRU
entered two teams into the tournament. The Hunter Representative team took out the title and
dominated the NSW Country Representative team with 16 players selected. The City V
Country fixture was held with the co-operation of the Newcastle University Rugby Club and
was a great chance to showcase some of NSW’s premier womens rugby players.

The HWRU held its inaugural ten-a-side schoolgirls rugby tournament, there were 12 teams
competing on the day and the rugby displayed was of a high standard. The members of both
the Hunter Representative teams were on hand throughout the day to help out with
refereeing, coaching and promoting the HWRU. I hope that this tournament continues to grow
each year. I must also thank Mitchell Drinkwater from NSW Rugby for his help organising the
tournament and running it on the day.

The HWRU applied for and was successful in obtaining a grant from the Volunteers and Small
Equipment Grants. This money will be used to purchase equipment to enable the HWRU to
run tournaments and the finals series.

The 2007 season culminated in the 2007 Hunter Womens Rugby Union Presentation night.
This night was organised to perfection by Renee Cross and was a fitting tribute to all those
who have been involved in the HWRU over the last 10 years. It was this stage that the HWRU
inducted its first life members, Joy Wyatt, Elga Tuatara and Phil Greentree.

2008 must see development and recruitment a priority for all clubs and players in the HWRU.
Without the continued promotion of womens rugby the game we all love and cherish will
continue to suffer.

Overall 2007 has been a successful year for the HWRU, the dedicated members of the
HWRU board have worked tirelessly all year in a difficult and often thankless job. My thanks
go to Justine Whipper, Louise Morrison, Jodie Enderby, Gerry Mason, Melissa Smith,
Rebecca Bartley, Rebecca Trethowan, Laura Brisbane and Joy Wyatt. Your time was
valuable and working with you a privilege.


Kelly Sager
President
Hunter Womens Rugby Union




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                     HUNTER REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
The 2007 representative season made an early and promising start with keen players
participating in summer ‘Get Fit’ training with Emma Graham at various locations during
January and February. Over 40 players from across each of the 7 clubs attended the official
trials with a large group of fresh faces.

Final selection trial matches were held at Walters Park, Boolaroo on Sunday 4 March with the
two squads being announced on Tuesday 6 March. Squad selections listed below:

The goal of the 2007 season was to maintain our reputation as the best female rugby region
in NSW Country and challenge Sydney City for the NSW title. Emma Graham and Fiona
Niddrie made a tremendous effort in increasing fitness, speed and strength levels, with high
intensity sessions for both squads. The squad then split and went with their respective
coaching staff for skill and game specific training.

The first major tournament for the year is the NSW Country Championships, in which HWRU
played host to. The Pokolbin Rugby Club at Hunter Valley Gardens was chosen as the
tournament venue. With only a rugby field at the facility, hard work was put in by The HWRU
Board and Pokolbin Rugby club. Thank sponsors BHP Billeton, Andrew Hughes, and the
Crown and Anchor for their contribution to make event possible.
The event was held over two days Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April.

The results are as follows:
                  st
Hunter Women: 1 place
                      rd
Hunter ‘A’ Women: 3 place


                Hunter                 31    v    Lloyd McDermott        0
                Central West           14    v    Central Coast          5
                Lloyd McDermott        7     v    Hunter A               5
                Hunter                 15    v    Central Coast          0
                Central West           7     v    Hunter A               3
                Central Coast          8     v    Lloyd McDermott        5
                Hunter                 32    v    Hunter A               3
                Central West           31    v    Lloyd McDermott        5
                Hunter A               6     v    Central Coast          3
                Hunter                 27    v    Central West           0

The HWRU would like to acknowledge and thank their fantastic hard working coaching and
management staff for the year:

Hunter Head Coach: Steve Lee
Hunter Assistant Coach: Fiona Niddrie
Strength and Conditioning Trainer: Emma Graham
Manager: Katrina Lee and Karrie McGrory

Hunter ‘A’ Coach: Gerry Mason
Hunter ‘A’ Assistant Coach: Lee Clay
Manager: Justin Bryde
Sports Trainer: Peter Brown/Kristy Stone

The HWRU also played host to the NSW Country v Sydney City fixture at University No. 1
Oval on Sunday 20 May. NSW Country included 16 players from the HWRU. Hunter played
Sydney City ‘A’ in the curtain raiser with an impressive performance.

Result:
Sydney City 37 def NSW Country 12
Sydney City ‘A’ 21 def Hunter 7



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This year it was the Hunter’s turn to travel to Sydney for the annual Hunter v Sydney City
fixture. This was held at Macquarie University on June 24.

Result:

Sydney City defeated Hunter 44-13
Hunter ‘A’ defeated Sydney City 15-5

Would like to recognise the HWRU players who have achieved national honours in 2006/7.

IRB 2006 Womens World Cup – Edmonton, Canada
Alicia Frost/Rebecca Anderson – Merewether Carlton
Tobie McGann/Rebecca Trethowan – University
                   th
Final placing: 7

New Zealand Tour: 13 – 21 October 2007
Alicia Frost – Merewether Carlton
Tobie McGann/Rebecca Trethowan: University
Louise Morrison: Wanderers

Shadow squad: Renee Cross (Wanderers), Carmen Landkauf (Wanderers),
Withdrew: Rebecca Anderson (Merewether)

Results:

Test 1 - Wanganui
New Zealand 21 v Wallaroo’s 10

Test 2 – Wellington
New Zealand 29 v Wallaroo’s 12


Justine Whipper
Rep Co-Ordinator
Hunter Women’s Rugby Union




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                   HUNTER A REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
Thanks to the 22 players from the Devo’s Country Championships campaign who trained
                                                                                 rd
hard, bonded well and transferred that enthusiasm onto the field to achieve a 3 place at
Country Champs, and the 10 additional players that played for us against Sydney ‘A’ on May
                                                 th
20th at the Uni and when we beat them on June 24 in Sydney.

It was an important year for Hunter and indeed for Hunter ‘A’. The added pressure of hosting
the Country Championships meant that we were super keen to improve on past seasons
efforts.
For the first time in the Hunter Women’s Rugby Union’s History we had all seven (7)
participating clubs represented in a representative side. It is a credit to all the players that
made the Devo’s team and to all other players that trialled and indeed the clubs that they all
represented, that we had such a diversely talented squad into which we were able to mould a
team of great ability, character and spirit.
After a slow start, due to the majority of players not having played together before, we struck
great cohesion and played with heart and purpose to achieve our third placing.
The coaching staff were pleased to receive praise over the weekend from all teams, on the
strength of our scrum and the spirit in which we played the game and conducted ourselves off
the field.

Playing as Hunter proved as extra motivation for the girls to impress the NSW Country
Selectors of their ability with still plenty of rep games to be played in the season.
Kirsty McGrorey was inspirational in her first match as Captain of the Hunter Team. The
players matched the Sydney ’A’ girls for most of the match but in the end were over run by the
size of their outside backs, going down 21 points to 12.

Due to injuries, work commitments and elevations to the Hunter team, we had 6 players
making their rep debut for 2007. The combinations of the players that had been in the side for
the whole year shone through and the 6 debutantes played like seasoned rep players.
After a hard physical game our girls dominated possession for a well deserved 15 to 10 win.
This was only the second time a hunter side has beaten a Sydney side (Hunter ‘A’ beating
Sydney Under 21’s in 2005).

Conclusion

Hopefully all of our players had fun, learnt lots, and come back again next year. Other Devo’s
season highlights were:
    turning a centre into a loose head prop
    being the first team to score against our championship winning Hunter side in years.
        (A penalty goal to Billy the Kid).
    Achieving 3 place at Country Champs
                     rd

    Beating Sydney ‘A’ in Sydney on June 24
                                                     th

    Giving nick names to more players that will stick for life.
    Witnessing Elga’s Retirement match….again

I would like to thank the Coaching and management staff of all the Devo’s and Hunter games
for the 2007 season, Lee Clay, Justin Bryde, Pete Brown, Kristy Stone, Lesa Mason, Rachael
Noake, Su Osborn, Steve Lee, Fiona Niddrie, Emma Graham, Katrina Lee, & Karrie
McGrorey.
Thanks also to the HWRU Board for enabling me to be involved with the Hunter Women’s
Rep Program, especially Justine Whipper and Kelly Sager for their continual support.
I look forward to being involved with the Hunter Women’s Rep Program again in 2008 in some
form or other.


Gerry Mason
Hunter ‘A’ Coach




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                SEASON 2007 REPRESENTATIVES
HUNTER                            HUNTER A
Rebecca Anderson Merewether      Jessica Andrews       Medowie
Meghann Campton Wanderers        Laura Brisbane        University
Tammy Clay        Wanderers      Sonya Chapman         Merewether
Renee Cross       Wanderers      Emma Chester          Merewether
Alicia Frost      Merewether     Nikki Edson           Lake Macquarie
Angela Hipwell    University     Danielle Freuend      University
Renee Hoffman     Wanderers      Kirsten Garlick       Singleton
Carmen Landkauf Wanderers        Kate Hagan            Hamilton
Neanthe Marsh     Wanderers      Lauren Heuston        Singleton
Tobie McGann      University     Brooke Hughes         Lake Macquarie
Kirsty McGrorey   Wanderers      Lauren Kelly          Merewether
Sarah McMullen    University     Tina Marsden          Singleton
Louise Morrison   Wanderers      Casey McDonald        Singleton
Toni Payne        Wanderers      Kobi Nicol            Hamilton
Katrina Sager     Wanderers      Rachel Noake          Wanderers
Amy Smith         Wanderers      Kathryn O'Brien       University
Holly Smith       Wanderers      Su Osborn             Singleton
Adrienne Spittles Wanderers      Kiri Oswald           Wanderers
Donna Sutton      Merewether     Dearn Patteson        Singleton
Rebecca Trethowan Merewether     Megan Shanahan        University
Natalie Verdanega Hamilton       Stevie-Lee Thompson   Wanderers
Margaret Watson   University     Elga Tuatara          University
                                 Leigh Whitehead       University



NSW Country                      Australia
Rebecca Anderson    Merewether   Rebecca Anderson      Merewether
Meghann Campton     Wanderers    Alicia Frost          Merewether
Tammy Clay          Wanderers    Tobi McGann           University
Renee Cross         Wanderers    Lousie Morrison       Wanderers
Alicia Frost        Merewether   Rebecca Trethowan     University
Beth Kermode        Merewether
Carmen Landkauf     Wanderers
Neanthe Marsh       Merewether
Tobi McGann         University
Louise Morrison     Wanderers
Toni Payne          Wanderers
Katrina Sager       Wanderers
Amy Smith           Wanderers
Holly Smith         Wanderers
Rebecca Trethowan   University
Natalie Verdanaga   Hamilton




                                                                    7
                          2007 COMPETITION REPORT
Season 2007 saw a return to the one division format for the competition, with seven teams
playing fourteen rounds of football. This season saw Hamilton, Lake Macquarie, Medowie,
Merewether Carlton, Singleton, University and Wanderers all vying for a spot in the Wal
Fitzgerald Cup Grand Final come September.

The beginning rounds of the competition saw Hamilton, Wanderers and University all off to a
firing start and all fighting it out for the number one spot on the ladder. At round 7 University
began their rampage into a grand final spot, with wins in every remaining round of the regular
season (interrupted only by their Rd 12 bye). Hamilton and Wanderers remained close
behind, and Merewether rounded out the top four by the conclusion of the regular season.

Surprise performers of the season were the Singleton Cougars, who had some big wins over
Medowie and arch rivals Lake Macquarie to finish in top spot for the Quaif Cup. The Cougars
performance stretched to rep football with 5 players selected in the Development squad, and
awards when Rookie of the Year went to a Singleton player.

At the conclusion Rd 14 standings were as follows:

Team               Played   Bye   Won    Drawn    Lost   For   Agn    Bonus    Points
University         12       2     10     0        2      509   63     7        48
Hamilton           12       2     10     0        2      366   90     5        48
Wanderer           12       2     9      0        3      577   39     7        43
Merewether         12       2     7      0        5      299   167    8        36
Singleton          12       2     3      1        8      91    478    2        16
Lake Macquarie     12       2     1      1        10     50    515    2        8
Medowie            12       2     1      0        11     53    593    0        4

All games in the finals series were played at University, week one saw University topple the
Wanderers in the major semi to head straight into the grand final, and Hamilton knock
Merewether Carlton out of contention for the year in the minor semi.

The final between Wanderers and Hamilton was hard fought but to the disappointment of
University’s vocal supporters, Wanderers proved how hungry they were to add another grand
final to their belt and emerged victorious.

2007 also brought a move back to the traditional Saturday night grand final included in the
proceeding was the Quaif Cup, which saw Singleton upstage Lake Macquarie also an
exhibition game by schoolgirl sides from All Saint’s College - St Mary’s and a Tomaree
Invitational team as the curtain raiser to the main event.

The Grand Final of the Wal Fitzgerald Cup set University against Wanderers in a battle
between two of the fastest most exciting teams in the competition. The game did not
disappoint, both teams started with a fire and passion and defence was the key to the first
half. Both teams attempting to break each others line but the defence of both teams was far
too strong and the teams went to the break locked at 3 all. The second half saw University
spend the majority of the half camped in Wanderers 50m but they were still unable to cross
the line and break the dead lock, the Wanderers defence and discipline kept them in the
game when it looked like University were getting the upper hand. With about 10 minutes to go
The Wanderers discipline slipped and University were able to capitalise and take a 6-3 lead, a
lead they held until the final whistle. The 2007 Grand Final showcased two quality teams,
brimmed with talent and skill, the final result, while disappointing from a spectator point of
view, highlighted the determination of both teams to not have their line crossed.


Jodie Enderby & Kelly Sager
Secretary & President
Hunter Women’s Rugby Union




                                                                                               8
                           DEVELOPMENT REPORT
On the 4th April 2007 the Hunter Women’s Rugby Union ran its first schoolgirl
ten a side tournament at Waratah Oval. There were 12 teams entered into two
divisions, under 16’s and opens. The schools represented were St Paul’s
Booragul, Callaghan College Waratah, All Saints College – St Marys,
Tomaree High, Buladelah High, Singleton High, Scone Grammar, St Josephs
Aberdeen, St Francis Xavier Hamilton and All Saints College – St Peters. The
day was a big success with some great on field performances. All Saints – St
Mary’s won the open division and Callaghan College Waratah winning the
under 16’s division.

As a result of the day and the development sessions held at respective
schools prior to the tournament, Newcastle University were able to pick up a
couple of players for the 2007 season. Emails were also sent to Lake
Macquarie and Singleton clubs regarding some players from St Paul’s
Booragul and Singleton High.

The Merewether Tens Tournament was held again this year and we had some
representatives from the Hunter Women’s team attend and assist with
refereeing throughout the day. Although we were not approached directly by
the school for assistance we were able to help out which hopefully will help
our relationship with the organisers of this tournament.

The HWRU also held a school girls ten a side exhibition game as the curtain
raiser to this years Grand Final. This game highlighted the skills and talents of
our local schools and was a great stage to promote women’s rugby. The
game was between the winners of the HWRU tournament All Saints - St
Mary’s and a Tomaree High School Invitational team.

Overall 2007 has been a great year for the promotion and development of
women’s rugby in the Hunter. I hope that this continues into 2008 and beyond.

Kelly Sager
HWRU Development Officer




                                                                               9
                 PROMOTIONS & MARKETING REPORT
 In 2007 the HWRU competition was again sponsored by The Crown and Anchor Hotel. In
 addition to the major sponsor, there were a number of businesses this year who have been
 integral to the running of the HWRU Competition.

    Hunter Valley Gardens – hosted the Country Championships in April 2007
    Coal & Allied (Singleton) – sponsored the kits for both Hunter teams in the Country
     Championships
    Physio at Work – provided in kind sponsorship to the two Hunter Rep teams
    Body Lee Massage Therapy – provided sponsorship for Hunter Team

 The HWRU was also the recipient of many donated prizes throughout the year to assist in
 the running of the Country Championships and the 10 Year Anniversary Ball from
 businesses such as Lancaster Sports; Marketown Optical; Cricketer’s Arms Hotel; The
 Forum Sports Facility and Rebel Sport Maitland.

 The HWRU would like to thank these businesses for their participation and assistance in
 the 2007 HWRU competition and representative program.

 As mentioned, the major event this year (apart from the Grand Final) was the Hunter
 Women’s Rugby 2007 Presentation Night and 10 Year Anniversary Ball. The event was
                                                        th
 held at West’s Leagues Club on September 7 , and brought together players,
 administrators, family, friends, and supporters from past and present. The biggest hit of the
 night was the incredible slideshow showcasing the past 10 years of women’s rugby in the
 Hunter, from club level right through to our Australian representatives. While some were
 (and still are) scratching their heads at how certain photos got out in public, most were
 nursing sore heads the next day after a night of dancing drinking and celebration, and yet
 another few ended up in Monday’s Newcastle Herald for their efforts.

 Award winners on the night included:
    Hunter Player of the Year: Alicia Frost (Merewether Carlton)
    Hunter Coach’s Award: Carmen Landkauf (Wanderers)
    Hunter A Player of the Year: Sonya Chapman (Merewether Carlton)
    Hunter A Coach’s Award: Megan Shanahan (University)
    Coach of the Year: Matt Johnson (University)
    Rookie of the Year: Tina Marsden (Singleton)
    Tina Chapman Award: Toni Payne (Wanderers)
    Highest Try Scorer: Beth Kermode (Merewether Carlton)
    Highest Points Scorer: Beth Kermode (Merewether Carlton)

 Special mention goes to Phil Greentree, Joy Wyatt, and Elga Tuatara, all of whom were
 awarded the HWRU’s first Life Memberships for their contributions over the years.

 The Board of the Hunter Women’s Rugby Union would also like to thank Renee Cross and
 Renee Hoffman for their outstanding efforts in organising this major event. A great time
 was had by all.


Louise Morrison
Vice President Promotions & Marketing



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