Before we look ahead to the 2025 girls' rugby season, we have the opportunity to reflect on a number of highlights from 2024.
Term 1 had a focus on 7s, with the numbers ballooning out to 60 players. We were fortunate to enter a number of MRU tournaments, as well as the Hawkes Bay Rugby event that one of our teams took out. The touring Carson Grammar team from Canada also played two of our teams in a game of three halves, with the players being billeted out into our community.
In term 2, Manawatu Rugby trialled a new competition with the teams required to be under 16. Players over that age played club rugby. Jessie Malaesilia played in the championship winning OBM team. Feilding entered two teams, with our Blue team making the final under the stewardship of Fono Bason. It was a young under 16 group, with a large number of year 9 players. Huge potential here for the future of the programme.
Term 3 reverted back to the traditional under 18 competition. Unfortunately the Feilding High Girls 1st XV only played two games. A win over Whanganui High School, and a loss to Manukura in the Hurricanes Qualifier. The highlight for Term 3 was the Ashleigh Knight Tournament. The team made it to the final, going down 24-10 in the end. A tournament special to us, and one to target in the future. Captain Fono Bason was named the player of the tournament.
The Condors 7s tournament loomed large at the end of Term 4. Current Cyclones Sam Taylor (S and C) and Rangimarie Sturmey (Coach) paved the way for a successful campaign. Our Year 9/10 team went down to a fit and fast Napier Girls in the final of the Hurricanes 7s tournament, then went on to place third in the country at Condors, a huge achievement. The team had to beat powerhouses Hamilton Girls (twice), Tauranga Girls, and Mount Albert Grammar Girls to progress. The senior team finished 7th. A win over Christchurch Girls set the tone, but unfortunately a loss to eventual champions Howick College in the quarterfinal meant that the team played for the 5th-8th bracket. The final position was secured through beating St Andrews College. A massive moment on the last day was current Manawatu Cyclone and captain of NZ Under 18 Women, Taufa Bason, being named in the Condors tournament team.
As you can see in the photos, the programme was privileged to sign on two major sponsors in 2024. Feilding Girls rugby will see huge benefits from the acquisition of Stihl Shop Feilding/Hire Shop, and Bed Barn. Both players and management thank both sponsors and look forward to working with them in 2025.
🟥🟦⬜ BELONG : ENGAGE : SUCCEED Kia Toa Kia Ngakaunui #fahsrugby #ManawatuRugby
