Queensland win Australia’s AON Uni 7s

Queensland always looked like the team to beat, even before the first ball was kicked. Not only did they have ex-UQ student Emilee Cherry and Emma Sykes from the Australian squad, but in addition UQ were able to attract the services of Netherland’s Jannicke IJdens and Bodil Van Wijnbergen, three players from Australia’s Commonwealth Youth Games-winning team, and Kody House, who has played international rugby league for Australia.

The aim of the tournament was “to pave way for next generation of gold medallists”, according to national coach Tim Walsh. Eight teams, based at universities around the country, each with squads of around 24 players, played four four-game tournaments in five weeks. It gave nearly 200 young players a chance to play and train with Olympic gold medalists, compete for a place in the team, and then take on the rest of the country in highly competitive, physically challenging programme.

But in addition to that Walsh saw it as a chance for coaches as well – “I know there is just as much coaching talent as there is playing talent in this country and that excites me.

“It will allow Sevens, as a code, to capture the hearts and minds of the best female athletes this country has to offer. If we are able to draw from that talent pool and show girls what it takes to play for your country at the highest level, I know we can continue to pave the way for the future, both long term and short.

“That responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the women in the national squad, who are using this tournament as part of their preseason. They are role models for a group of girls that can be the crux of Australia's next gold medal winning team.”

It was full-on rugby from the start, epitomised in the first final when Bond University’s Charlotte Caslick had to sit out vital closing minutes after a big tackle on Emilee Cherry took the crowd’s breath away, and resulted in a crucial yellow card.

UQ’s Dutch stars were often on had to make crucial scores. IJdens scored the first try in the first final in Launceston, and at Macquarie in the second final – also against Bond – it was Van Wijnbergen who was on hand to score the match winning try at the end of the final play in a game that Bond had lead for much of the game.

It was three from three for in UQ’s home leg, winning 12-5 in a game where they totally controlled the final against Chloe Dalton’s Macquarie, who only got the hands on the ball in the final few seconds of the game. Bond finished third – having lost in the semi-finals to Queensland after a shock defeat to Canberra on the first day, where Cassie Staples made a name for herself, scoring a hat-trick, leaving Charlotte Caslick in her wake.

The final round was at Bond University the weekend with Queensland again beating Macquarie in the final, 14-12, to ensure complete the Grand Slam. However, the match of the day was an incredibly tough battle for the bronze medal between Tasmania and Bond with the match culminating in a late try for the Tasmanians. Nicole Beck had the crowd on the edge of their seats as she lined up for the winning kick but a strong breeze and a difficult position meant the ball sliced to the left, meaning that Bond University finished in third.

In the overall standings for the Series, Bond came in second behind UQ with Macquarie University finishing in third position.

Queensland Captain, Mackenzie Sadler said: “To go 20 games undefeated is a massive credit to the girls, to Reg and all our staff, it’s amazing. I’m so proud of the girls.”

Sadler herself was one of impressive performers in the series. Others of note included Lauren Murty (UTAS), Bo Vette-Welsh (Macquarie), Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea (Griffith) and Lily Dick (UQ) not to mention the likes of Brydie Parker (UNE) and Katie Harrison (Macquarie). Watch out for them.

2017 Aon Uni 7s Series Standings:

1. University of Queensland, 80 points

2. Bond University, 68 points

3. Macquarie University, 66 points

4. Griffith University, 50 points

5. University of Canberra, 40 points

6. University of Adelaide, 40 points

7. University of Tasmania, 38 points

8. University of New England, 34 points