The University Women’s Seven series is a tournament for senior female rugby sevens players representing universities from around Australia. With the support of Rugby Australia, the 2022 season will consist of three tournaments hosted in Adelaide, Newcastle and Canberra throughout October.
The first tournament hosted by the University of Adelaide at Warnpangga (Park 10) on Kaurna Country, consisted of six regular round games before teams entered the play offs.
The strong Maali Sevens side led by head coach Dylan Parsons showed incredible hunger to win. The rich experience in the new coaching personnel bolstered the improved Maali team, steering the side to a win-loss ratio of four wins and two losses. UWA were able to secure comfortable wins over the University of Sydney (24 – 5), University of Canberra (29 – 10), University of Newcastle (24 – 12) and the University of Adelaide (31 –19). Martha Mataele was a formidable force in the Maali line up with eleven tries across the tournament with five tries in one game alone. Nicole Ledington also impressed with the flyhalf scoring eleven conversions for the team.
Despite losses to Bond and Melbourne University, the Maali Sevens team qualified for the gold medal match against reigning premiers Bond University. It was a tough game with both sides locked even at 5 - 5 at the half time break. UWA Maali were unable to combat the strong second half from their rivals especially Bond’s substitute player Jayahalia Whyte.
A tremendous accomplishment for the rejuvenated side after a yearlong hiatus from the competition. Dylan Parsons is adamant that the group will continue to reap the rewards from the hard work that each player has demonstrated in the lead up to the series.
The players have been able to take a lot of belief from this tournament and now set high goals for the upcoming tournament in Newcastle.
Dylan Parsons, Head Coach of the Maali Sevens
The coaching personnel including Matt Hodgson and Richard Kahui have set their targets on Bond University as the benchmark for success. As the competition moves to the East Coast, Parsons is excited about the new instalments that will reinvigorate the side and bring a new energy to the team dynamic.
The Maali Sevens look to back up a successful campaign in Adelaide with the second tournament beginning next weekend in Newcastle.
Full fixtures for the weekend’s matches can be found on UniSport Australia website, and all matches can be livestreamed and on replay via UniSport TV.