The Junior rugby 7’s side has enjoyed a very successful season this term.

Their 8 game season ran over four weeks and saw them playing two games of Sevens rugby on a Wednesday. Shakira Stephen captained the side and showed emerging leadership skills throughout the season. The Year 10 students front line of the picture helped the Year 9’s develop in confidence. Te Atawhia Campbell showed that she is a hot prospect leading the haul of tries, together the squad scored 40 tries. Birkita Richie took on the mantle of half back and showed how she could read the game, Tamara Jackson played in the forwards and was the chief ball hunter, Neve Clements was exceptionally dangerous with the ball in hand as well as Unique Grant who clocked up two exceptional tries as she opened up the centre of the park.

In the final game of the season, we saw perhaps the most complete performance by the team as they took on a Taieri side that were on the rise. Sydnee Oleary and Shakira set the standards on the team with their tackling being exceptional. Jess Smith showed her nouse with an exceptional kicking game that put Taieri on the back foot from every restart, of note also was her exceptional work at ruck time. With Te Atawhia coming off injured early in the piece it was up to Lavina Penese to ensure we continued to play our quick popping game and her communication skills meant this game plan flowed really nicely. 

Of real note though was the work of the wings Haylee Evans and Holly Ford. These girls, being smaller than some of the squad were constantly challenged down their wings but they were up to every challenge thrown at them. Try of the season was to come late in this game. Taieri were hot on attack but the robust defence meant they threw a loose pass on the Otago Girls' 10 m line. Holly pounced on this loose ball to run the length of the paddock dotting down with the opposition hot in pursuit. The girls won 32-0 and we're proud and sore as they walked off the paddock.

I would also like to mention Stella Dynes who unfortunately was not available due to injury - she has had an exceptional season and is a real menace running the ball. Many of these girls will now get the chance to continue to grow within the game as we start our development 10’s season for the Under 15 age group. This culminates with a day-long tournament in Term 3. I would like to personally thank all the parents and grandparents for their support on the sidelines it is great to have so many spectators. If your daughter has played in the past or has never played before there is still a chance to sign up for rugby. Training is on Monday at the Oval and games are every Wednesday at 4 o'clock.

Results

OGHS 43-5 St Hildas

OGHS 34-7 Queens

OGHS 31-17 South Otago

OGHS 32-0 Taieri

OGHS 21- 10 South Otago

OGHS 34-5 Kavangh College

OGHS 62- 0 Kiakorai valley

Taeri 7- 29 OGHS