Endeavour Hills rugby union player Olivia Graham is about to be tackled in Saturday’s match against the Northcote Panthers.
By Rebecca Fraser
THEY might not have scored a win, but a women’s rugby team’s first home match was a cause for celebration on Saturday when they took the field in Endeavour Hills.
The Endeavour Hills Rugby Union Football Club’s women’s team made their home debut at Frog Hollow Reserve.
Despite notching up a 71-0 loss to the Northcote Panthers, club president Ashley White said the players were excited to finally be playing in front of home spectators.
The excitement was further fuelled by the recent announcement that Frog Hollow Reserve will receive $500,000 in Casey Council’s latest budget for stage two of pavilion works.
The development will provide new change facilities for the club’s women players.
Mr White said many members of the women’s team had been forced to travel long distances to play rugby union because Endeavour Hills had struggled to accommodate them until now.
He said the club was delighted the council had provided funds for the new facility and it was now keen to attract more women players.
Most women playing for Endeavour Hills live in the local area and Mr White said it made sense for them to play at Frog Hollow Reserve.
The team’s 16 players are aged between 17 and about 35 years.
Mr White said they were now on the lookout for quick players. He said the team had played well on Saturday, considering the Northcote team had seven state players.
“On Saturday the girls held their own but could not meet the speed in the outside backs.
“We are hoping to attract a few more players. We need some fast women and some speed behind us,” he said.
Coach Maria Huia was also satisfied with the team’s performance. “Endeavour held their own in the forwards, but the outright speed of the Norths backs left a very one-sided scoreline.
“We certainly could do with some fast women out wide, but overall we’re happy with the team’s progress.”
Mr White said the new change facilities were a big bonus for the women and the entire club.
“On training nights we have lots of kids down there as well as the seniors team. If the women’s team comes down too we are scratching for somewhere for them to change.
“On multiple team days it is also very difficult. Sometimes they have to share change rooms with teams they are playing against, which is not ideal.
“This is a big bonus for the women’s team and a big bonus for the club.”
Mr White said the new facilities would also help the club host larger tournaments.
Anyone interested in joining the women’s team should contact David Hawkins, phone 0409 892 884, for further details.
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