20 August 2014

AUSTRALIA'S GOLDEN GIRLS SAVE BEST UNTIL LAST IN NANJING

The Australian Women's Youth Olympic Rugby Sevens team reserved its best performance for the Gold Medal match as they demolished a brave Canadian outfit (38-10) in Nanjing today.

The win secured the country's second gold medal at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

National Women's Head Coach Tim Walsh said: "This is a historic day for Women's Rugby Sevens in Australia and a window into the future of this sport.

"The talent and potential in this country is huge and the performance from these girls is both inspiring and proof of that fact. The preparation for this tournament shows the character of the program and the dedication from all its members.

"From senior players assisting in coaching to Alice Bowen stepping in as manager but particularly to Scott Bowen for his relentless passion and love for the game."

Toowoomba's Dom du Toit scored a stunning hat-trick for the green and gold with the North Americans unable to handle her searing pace. Tayla Stanford, skipper Tiana Penitani and Marioulla Belessis each crossed over to touch down and hand Australia a richly-deserved win.

Walsh praised his players that ended their first Olympic journey with an incredible seven wins out of seven in Nanjing, scoring over 200 points in the process.

"But without a doubt the credit must go to the 12 players here in Nanjing and the shadow players back home in Australia for their talent, desire and commitment to each other, themselves and Australia.

"I am so proud and very excited about the future we are creating in this country!"

Dom du Toit ended the competition with an astonishing eight tries - doubtless inspired by her sporting hero - current IRB Women's Sevens Player of the Year, Australia's Emilee Cherry.

The 2014 Australian Women's Youth Olympic Rugby Sevens team representing Australia in Nanjing:
Tiana Penitani - co-captain, 18 years old Matraville (NSW 2036)
Brooke Anderson - co-captain, 18, Brighton Le Sands (NSW 2216)
Marioulla Belessis, 17, Highgate Hill (QLD 4101) 
Shenae Ciesiolka, 17, Westbrook (QLD 4350)
Dominique Du Toit, 17, Highfields (QLD 4352)
Kellie Gibson, 18, Ellenbrook (WA 6069)
Tayla Stanford, 18, Bunyan (NSW 2630)
Raecene McGregor, 16, Yagoona (NSW 2199)
Caitlin Moran, 17, Cardiff South (NSW 2285)
Amber Pilley, 16, Tugun (QLD 4224) 
Mackenzie Sadler, 17, Kensington Park (SA 5068)
Laura Waldie, 17, Camp Hill (QLD 4152)

The 2014 Australian Women's Youth Olympic Rugby Sevens results and fixture in Nanjing, China on 17-20 August 2014:

Australia 33-0 Tunisia (Pool match)

Australia 15-12 China (Pool match)

Australia 38-0 USA (Pool match)

Australia 41-0 Spain (Pool match)

Australia 21-5 Canada (Pool match)

Australia 33-0 USA (Semi-Final)

Australia 38-10 Canada (Gold Medal Match)

The Australian Sports Commission is proud to support the ARU's National Rugby Sevens program by providing funding and direct athlete support as part of Australia's Winning Edge game plan for moving from world class to world best