RUGBY RAT TALES

Year Of The Rat!

2008-02-14T15:16:00.004+11:00

A new year for rugby is about to begin... The girls have been busy with a Walleroos tour to NZ last year, rugby league action, rugby 7's in Darwin and a few other goodies that need to be brought up to date...

Here is the latest from our esteemed coach Bez (Erin), feel free to contact her if you would like to check out any of this information. New players are always welcome - no experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know to have a big impact on the field, and a whole lotta fun. Rugby is no longer the mens domain, and remember - this is the year of the RAT!

Thursday February 21st
Pre-season training begins at Rat Park (YES! I can hear you all say). Please be there between 6.30/6.45pm for a 7pm SHARP start.
Training will continue every Thursday from the 21st onwards.
The guys have begun training on both Tuesday and Thursday and all girls are welcome to join. So if you are chomping at the bit to do some fitness get down to Rat Park fom 6.30pm on those days and tag along.

Saturday February 23rd
Western 10s tournament in Dubbo. The tournament organisers are keen to have us and the prize money is rather good.
I have done some costing on accomodation and we can get pretty reasonable hotel rooms in Dubbo for the Friday and Saturday nights for around $40 each a night.
Having never been to Dubbo i'm not sure how far it is but have heard it's between 5-6 hours away. I think car pooling would be best but am open to seggestions.
Games are to be played on the Saturday only with our first game being 10.30am and the women's final at 7pm immediatley before the men's final.
As it's a 10s tournament we would probably need at least 13 players.

Saturday March 1st
There is an Under 20's development day being planned for this day. It is still in the works but early plans include some skills in the morning and possibly some 7s or 10s games in the afternoon.
I would encourage anyone who is interested to let me know and I will pass your name on.
Also for you teachers out there I will be giving your details to the organisers and they will provide further information for you to cascade down to the kids.

Sunday March 9th
Possible date of a Warringah Ratettes "Try Rugby" Day at Rat Park.
I have begun speaking to some people about having a fun introduction to women's rugby day at Rat Park to use as a recruitment tool. This would probably be along the same lines as the U20 development day but open to all ages.
More details will be available soon but I would like everyone to be there if possible to assist.

Saturday March 15th
Possible date of Sevens By the Sea tournament to be held at Rat Park.
This is still to be confirmed and planned.
Anyone who would like to help please let me know.

Saturday April 5th or 12th
Season begins.
This date is to be confirmed at next Wednesday's committee meeting and I will let you know asap the exact details.

So that's the plan kids.

If you could please shoot me back a quick note letting me know if you are interested in playing this season and what you can or can't attend it would be much appreciated. +61411045699

Warringah - 3 Day Party On The Peninsula!

2007-10-03T10:08:00.000+10:00

Warringah GRAND FINAL WINNERS 2007

2007-10-03T09:21:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 3rd October 2007

Three in a row - woohoo! Bez's first year as coach, and she took us to another Grand Final WIN! Check out the article below from the Manly Daily, seems like there really was reason to celebrate on the Peninsula on the weekend after all!

Warringah Ratettes 30 - Parramatta Two Blues 13

Warringah: Tries to Rachel Byrne, Lisa Fiaola, Sarah Laman, Tui Ormsby and Cheryl Soon. Tui kicked 1 conversion and 1 penalty.

Parramatta: L Todd (try) & M Dunn 1 conversion and 2 penalty goals (great kicking on the day sport).

Thank you so much to all our super sexy water girls, strappers, family, friends, rugby mates - especially ex-Ratettes, the Uni girls and Cheryl's special work 'Mum and Dad' for all your support on the day and during the year. We hope you enjoyed the win as much as we did - it couldn't be done without you. Thanks to Bez's Mum for having us all over to breakfast (a feast fit for champions), MaxiMe for babysitting MiniMe so that I could get back into it too! Oh yes, thanks to Warringah Rugby Club for having us as part of the fold... Why couldn't we keep our winning jumpers though?!?!

I will let the photo's speak for themselves in the following blog - they are of Grand Final Night at Surf Rock Collaroy, No Undies Sunday at Vicky's and Surf Rock again, as well as Mad Monday that started at Manly Skiff Club and ended up at the Steyne in Manly.

Thank you to the Manly Daily for the great article below.

Women's rugby
Ratettes rattle up amazing record

Joe Barton

03Oct07

Picture: ANNIKA ENDERBORG" width="200">

Ratettes Cheryl soon, Rachel Byrne, Vicky Burston, Cassandra Williams and Chris Ross with their trophy.
Picture: ANNIKA ENDERBORG

THREE premierships in three years has confirmed what most followers of Sydney women's rugby have known for a while - Warringah are the best team in the competition's history.

The all-conquering team has lost just six matches on their way to claiming three successive titles since 2005.

Along the way they have scored an incredible 1924 points, while conceded just 191.

After months of playing down their dominance, last weekend's crushing victory over Parramatta has prompted captain Chris Ross and coach Erin Morton to finally admit that a dynasty has been built.

``It was fantastic to win on the weekend, I think it has created a bit of a dynasty kind of thing,'' Ross said.

``It's great because we are establishing a winning culture here.''

Morton, in her first year of coaching, believes that the ``winning culture'' has been built around the Ratettes brilliant defence.

``The most pleasing aspect about the last three years is our defence,'' the coach said. ``We've had five or six tries in about two years scored against us - our defence is fantastic.

``The girls just keep getting up off the ground to keep making tackles.''

And yesterday, with the girls recovering from a ``threepeat'' Mad Monday, all they were talking about was backing up in 2008.

``Hopefully we can be even stronger next year, no one is talking of retiring just yet,'' Morton said.

``Sydney Uni and Parramatta are pretty close to us (skill-wise), but we have a couple of really good players in key positions.

``Next year we definitely need to get some more numbers and get some more girls into the club.''

Wallaroo captain and Ratettes halfback Cheryl Soon backed up her coach.

``It feels great at the moment, the girls are elated and there were a few too many celebrations going on afterwards,'' she said. ``But we've got a bit of work to do for next year, the competition is getting tougher all the time and teams are catching up.

Sydney University remain the only team to have bettered Warringah in the past two seasons, after their last-round 10-7 win this year.

Warringah - Finals Countdown 24hrs!

2007-09-28T14:25:00.001+10:00

MicroMe - President of Warringah Ratettes Junior Fan Club

We got a love letter from our coach on Tuesday after training. It started with this: We play our own game... What? You seriously didn't think you'd get more than that did you? It would be like a magician revealing his secrets!

Good news at training on Thursday night; no, it wasn't that Chris turned up in her onsies jammies - jumpsuit for the non Aussies. Tui (above left with Chris), is in the Wallaroo squad to tour New Zealand at the end of October - woohoo! She will be joining Chris, Chez and Barbs in the Green and Gold, on what will be a tough ask on 'Orkland' territory.

So in 24hrs we will be having our last huddle together for the season, and putting it all on the line. No other game matters, what we have done before won't count - this is THE one, all or nothing and we want it! Thank you to everyone who has supported us during the year, whether from afar online, or in person at the games.

Bez, you are a legend! You are the first coach I have had that doesn't have a penis, however, sometimes I swear you have balls (in the nicest possible way). You are a gutsy chick, a fun chick, and champion coach, I hope you are smiling at the end of the game!

Warringah - Farewell To Sydney Uni

2007-09-22T19:29:00.003+10:00

Saturday 22nd September 2002

Sydney University 10 - Parramatta Two Blues 12...

The game was fairly slow paced compared to last week, and although they scored first, a win eluded them. They fought off raids from their much larger opponents on several occasions, displaying tenacious scrambling defense. Unfortunately that just wasn't enough on the day.

There were some big hits in the game, especially from the big girls on the Parramatta team. They sure let you know when you have been tackled, and they are pretty hard to stop once they are on a roll.

Parramatta played with more discipline than they have displayed earlier in the season, and today it paid off. They only had one player sin binned for back chatting, and there was only one fight - how civilised... Not.

Near the end of the second half, there was hope when Caroline went over for her 2nd try of the day. Unfortunately the conversion that would have levelled the scores hit the post. It would have been enough to give Uni the win, as they finished 2nd on the table for the season to the Two Blues 3rd placing.

I felt that Uni were taking their sweet time about winning the game and I am still shocked that they lost. They looked suitably down hearted at the end of the game - it was a disappointing way to end a brilliant season, where they only suffered two defeats coming into the finals series.

The best player on the day was definitely Alex Hargreaves. Again she chased that ball as if it was a pot of gold and was everywhere in attack and defense. Alex is always good, however coming up to the Wallaroos tour of New Zealand later this month, she is on fire!

This is Alex pictured with Uni's #10 Rocky - who also had a great game (as usual).

Commiserations ladies, you have played some brilliant rugby this year and you are a credit to the game.

Parramatta - we will see you on the field next week at Rat Park.

Warringah - Rewards And Accolades

2007-09-21T15:35:00.001+10:00

Friday 21st September 2007

The Warringah Rugby Club held their presentation evening last Friday, and the following awards were presented to the Women's Rugby Team...

Yes, there she goes again, showing off those legs; Chris Ross - winner of the Noddy Sawtell Most Valued Player award (for contributions both on and off the field).

The smiliest and most talented halfback in Australian Women's Rugby at the moment; Cheryl Soon - awarded Best and Fairest Player for points throughout the year given after the games (3-2-1).

Dalena Dennison on the left, our very skilled #8 - awarded Most Improved Player for the year. Dal is now training with the Wallaroo shadow squad.

Also pictured are Bronnie MacIntosh - former Ratette and Wallaroo who was named Player Of The Match for the Women's Rugby League State of Origin against Queensland in August. On the right is Amy Davis who recently returned to Ireland after acquitting herself more than appropriately in the backs for the Ratettes earlier this year.

Jamie Blazejewski our flying fullback, on the left was the Top Try Scorer for the season, she is pictured with Rachel Byrne who has also had a fantastic year in nearly every back line position - a very versatile and capable player.

Last but certainly NOT least... CONGRATULATIONS to Barbs on the left and Jamie - previous photo - on your selection in the Australian Women's Rugby League team - WOOHOO! Thank you to the AWRL for letting us have these stars in our line up last week while you were in camp too.

Barb's is so shy (yeah right), that she had to have her photo with Chris and Cheryl above... LOL! Barb's is currently a dual international, she will be touring with the Wallaroos in NZ at the end of the month. If you ever think that having children gives you an excuse to stop playing sports or keeping fit - think again, Barb's is a MUMMY... Also, if you think that being over 30 means you should retire - get serious, it is all in your mind - she is living proof that anything is possible if you try!

Go Barb's I love ya - even if you palmed me off in training and then stepped me completely last night... I will practice on you next week!

Good luck to Sydney University and Parramatta tomorrow in your semi final at Earlwood tomorrow - see you at 3pm!

Warringah Grand Finals Here We Come!

2007-09-16T22:38:00.000+10:00

Sunday 16th September 2007

(Cass Williams wins the lineout)

WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!

Just in case you were wondering - it feels GREAT! Defending our home turf on the main field was fantastic fun. Yesterday, we started very well and squandered a few opportunities before Tui missed a penalty - which was quickly followed by a successful penalty goal. Sydney Uni got an intercept on one of our backline moves, and Mon ran about 70 metres to score under the goal posts. I think we were a little rattled, and even though we weren't really threatened, they really took it to us for the rest of the first half. Their forwards were on fire, and they kept up a very quick pace leading into the break - with Sydney Uni up 7-3.

After half time, our whole team seemed switched on, and moved up a gear for the 2nd half. Sydney Uni kept up the same intensity, and although the pace slowed a little, I think it was us regaining control of the game. We did squander a few more opportunities, and our hooker Amanda was denied a try early in the 2nd half. It looked in, and the ref took ages to make a decision - along with the touchy before denying her brilliant effort. Lamon and Kiwi managed to get over the line in the 2nd half and the world went back to the way it should be - us winning!

Cheryl our halfback was everywhere, I would pick her as our best player on the day myself, and I doubt anyone would disagree. There were many stand out performances on our team, Jamie our fullback was great, and the forwards were staunch in attack and defence.

I have to give credit where it's due and Alex Hargreaves who plays #8 for Sydney Uni, sure earned it yesterday. She really stood out, she was all over the field chasing down any breaks we made; hitting it up in the forwards; making tackles, staying on her feet and pilfering the ball. She did play for the Ratettes last year, and has a lot of friends in our team - off the field. The general consensus among us last night was that she is on fire at the moment - go Alex!

Final Result: Warringah 15 - Sydney University 7
Warringah: Try - Sarah Laman, Kate Henderson, Penalty and Conversion - Tui Ormsby
Sydney University: Try - Mon, Conversion - Rocky (sorry girls, will get that updated to real names).

I missed the scores of the other semis, as we were warming up, and I can't find them anywhere online - will update them soon. The other Division 1 game was played between Parramatta and Canterbury - Parramatta won. In Division 2, Wollongong Vikings beat Penrith, and once again John Scott will be pulling his hair out as UWSB defaulted to Waverly in a no show. Word has it that Waverly stood around on the field and departed after 20mins... More on that one to come too!

Next week, Sydney University will play Parramatta Two Blues at Earlwood in the major semi final to determine who will meet the Ratettes at Rat Park on Saturday 29th @ 3pm for the Grand Final. (The Grand Final for 2nd division will precede this at 1.00pm).

More congratulation messages from Jaydee's and my Minti page.

Warringah - We're #1

2007-09-15T09:52:00.001+10:00

Saturday 15th September 2007

SEMI FINALS TODAY

Divi. 2 @1.30pm

Div. 1 US vs Sydney Uni @3pm

Rat Park (Northern Beaches Heaven)

Warringah Rugby Club – Narrabeen

FINAL STANDINGS FOR THE SEASON

» Team		P	W	D	L	F	A	Df	Pts
	Warringah	18	17	0	1	957	32	925	85
	Sydney University	18	15	0	2	789	81	708	79
	Parramatta	18	15	0	3	996	126	870	74
	Canterbury	18	10	0	8	489	383	106	48
	UWSB	18	10	0	8	576	353	223	38
	Waverley	18	8	0	9	386	364	22	34
	Wollongong	18	6	0	12	334	603	-269	24
	Penrith	18	6	0	12	367	636	-269	22
	Wollondilly	18	2	0	16	59	1871	-1812	10
	Drummoyne (Wtihdrawn)	18	0	0	18	0	504	-504	0

Rat Face: Tui Ormsby

2007-09-15T08:44:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 5th September 2007
(Happy Birthday Mum)

Rat Face (Player Profile) Tui Ormsby

Rat At The APEC Gate ...This is our lovely #10, who is not only a key player for the Warringah Ratettes, and an awesome chick; she is keeping us safe from that lot visiting for APEC. Our Tooves on the job as featured in the gallery coverage on www.news.com.au

Tui began her rugby career playing in Waikato; New Zealand in 1996. She moved to Western Australia in 1997 and played for WA from 1997 - 2001 before moving to Sydney. Tui played for West Harbour from 2002 - 2003, then Sydney University 2004 - 2005, before joining the Mighty Rats in 2006.

Tui was also a member of the Wallaroos in 1997, 1998 and 2002, last year, she was committed to her career joining the NSW Police; otherwise I am sure she would have been with the team in Canada contesting the Women's Rugby World Cup. She is currently training as a shadow member of the squad training to tour New Zealand in October this year.

She has also competed at the Hong Kong Sevens with the Aussie Rats in 1998, 1999, and 2001. She is very talented, a quick stepper, fast runner, accurate kicker, she is also a mean tackler. Tui seems quiet at first, however she has a very quick smile, and is very encouraging to other players. As with all the girls in the team, she is very approachable, and very helpful.

Warringah 7 - Sydney Uni 10

2007-09-14T23:47:00.000+10:00

Saturday 1st September 2007

Unlike our captain Chris below... I have never had sexy legs.

Which is good - because now they are blue, pink, red, purple, green, yellowish and swollen.

WE LOST 10-7 to Sydney Uni. They scored against us about a minute before the end when we were a player short as we had a send off for swearing at the ref during the game. Cudos to the halfback from Uni, and to Alex Hargreaves #8 for a couple of great individual tries... We'll make you work a lot harder for them next time!

The whistle happy ref stopped nearly every play before it got away. Since the beginning of the season it seems that we have had refs with their own set of rules. A couple of refs, have been over zealous - laying down the law in a ridiculous manner before the game. These tend to be the ones that blow their whistle every minute or so, and the game is basically reduced to scrums, lineouts, quick taps and about 5mins of running rugby. I have learned that the ones who say they won't tolerate any back chat are usually going to be pretty shite - as they are so used to copping it - they preempt it. A slow old fashioned ref is ridiculous when you have the two top teams playing each other - however that doesn't excuse him being sworn at, however a red card is rather excessive... Oh and for the record it WASN'T me - and I think that we should have been able to rally and avoid it anyway.

That being said, I would like to say thank you to all the referees who took the time to come and referee our games. I guess the ARU or NSW Subbies need to look at a program where each club sponsors and supplies a referee for each grade - if they don't already. I have no idea what they do to be honest, however they need to do something sooner rather than later.

I did actually enjoy the game (except the whole losing thing), as I ran on in the wing, (that's the backline where all the fast people are meant to be - then there is me - I'm not sure what I am doing there hahaha). Our prop got injured in the first tackle and left the field, so I got to move into the forwards (where all the action is), and played openside breakaway which is my favourite position. You basically chase the ball and tackle all day - doesn't require a lot of thinking, however it is a lot more tiring than prancing about in the wing, and my hair was full of grass and my nose was full of mud at the end of the game - don't get that beauty treatment so much on the wing.

Commiserations to the Forrestville Ferrets Rugby League girls, they played in their rugby league grand final for the Forrestville Ferrets on Saturday. Unfortunately they lost to Cabramatta after having a very successful season, hopefully that will make them even hungrier for a win with us! Yesterday was not the best day for the Northern Beaches rugby women - however we have a semi final in 2 weeks and we will make up for it big time then!

Well done Uni - see you in the semis in 2 weeks!

Warringah Ratettes - Bring It On!

2007-09-14T23:42:00.000+10:00

Friday 30th August 2007

Our last game of the season - if we win this we will be minor premiers - top of the table for the season! Well, I think we will be anyway, however this would ease my mind and remove any doubt.

Our absolutely amazing halfback Cheryl Soon in action at the Women's Ruby World Cup in Canada last year. Is there a girl fitter, stronger and faster for her weight and height in the Sydney Women's Premiership?

Our team captain Chris Ross - mugshot for the Women's Rugby World Cup last year. The best legs in the Sydney Women's premiership, and a fantastic player. Look out for Chris on her frog green scooter with little dog Baxter on board scooting around the Northern Beaches.

Supermum Lisa (Barbs) Fiaola mugshot for the Walleroos. The broadest smile, muscle bound legs and six pack from hell! She will be playing league tomorrow, we will miss her and Jamie, Nicky, Lynda (Skitz), and Dan - kick ass girls!

I wish them the very best of luck and hopefully we will be catching up with them to celebrate both our wins tomorrow... I am so excited - though I am a little nervous about whether or not we can field a full strength team against the 2nd ranked team on the ladder...

Warringah 65 - Canterbury 0

2007-09-14T23:15:00.001+10:00

Saturday 25th August 2007

My main worry on Saturday morning as I dashed out the door to footy was that I had forgotten to put on my sunscreen. Rugby union may be a winter sport, however we have only played one game in the rain, and that was 5 months ago – so we are all getting a good sun tan. Boy did we get a shock when we pulled up to find a shallow swampland – that smelled just a tad iffy! Part of it was cordoned off – perhaps that was the part where the crocs lived, or maybe someone had dumped a stolen car under there.n (Just Jokes).

Our 2nd last game of rugby union for the season was changed from a 1.15pm home game to a 12pm away game at Canterbury to accommodate some of our team members who were playing in their rugby league semi final later that day. We were a little worried that the field might actually be closed, however it was all good and were about 3 converted tries up within about 10mins.

I felt we could have scored more, however the opposition took their sweet time getting to any set play – kick offs, line outs and scrums. Part of the way through the second half we lost 2 players to league, then a little later after an ensuing bit of biffo – which was somewhat on the cards, as the opposition were getting frustrated from being pinged off side all the time, and no doubt being scored against all the time. In the end we had 12 of us on the field and we won Warringah 65 - Canterbury 0, though it felt like more. So much for keeping it on the field, I wasn't involved in the fights, though I had received a punch earlier and an elbow in my face - however they didn't seem too friendly afterward, so we took off to support our league girls.

After that we took ourselves out to the nether regions of Sydney again, and were delighted to find a lovely BBQ, friendly staff and UDL’s on special for $2- at Cabramatta Rugby League Club. A total of 6 of our players were part of the Forestville Ferrets who won 38-10. Barbs, Nicky, Chris, Jamie Skitz, and Dan, played a great game, especially the first 3 who backed up from our union game. It was my first time watching chicks play league, and I might have a run at it next year for fun - when it doesn't clash with union.

Thank you very much Canterbury for allowing us to change the venue - it was very sporting of you. The unsporting behaviour during the match, was only beaten by the potty mouth game we played against Parrmatta earlier in the year. It was a shame, as you guys put in a good effort during the year, good luck ladies.

The Forrestville Ferrets successful in their semi final above.

Warringah 28 - UWSB 0

2007-09-14T23:02:00.000+10:00

Saturday 11th August 2007

The Game That Wasn't...

Unfortunately the only team that got rattled at Hartley Oval yesterday were the Ratettes, after driving 60km, warming up and strapping up, there was no game. A few of us had under estimated the distance to the game, and when one of our team members approached the UWSB coach to ask if we could delay the start, his reply was, 'only for 10 minutes'.

How generous of him, considering that we accorded them the same amount of time when they turned up late to play at the Beach Haven of Rugby; Pittwater Park, earlier in the year. It was also a rather bold statement coming from someone who had no, yes, NO players from his own team present at the time. The game was due to start at 12.30pm, and it was barely 12pm - and we were feeling guilty about delaying proceedings.

By 12.35 the Ratette's had the minimum numbers required to start the game, and considering we played with 12 for much of the second half the previous week, (some players had to go to rugby league), we were fairly confident and ready to start. There looked to be about 8 players from UWSB there now, and there was one player warming up and stretching out the back. A few minutes later we had the full team, we strapped up, warmed up and got ready to take the field... After 1pm, Chris Ross, our team captain spoke to the UWSB coach again, and came back with the unbelievable news, they forfeited the game!

They also refused to play 7's or 10's to stop the day from being a total loss. Their for and against will look suitably inflated as the score of 28-0 to us will be awarded, however it is hardly compensation for their total lack of effort. They sat on their rumps on the sideline, while we dressed and warmed up, and said nothing. We had to continuously approach them for updates in regard to our start time. Their coach stormed off because he was angry, the members of their team that did turn up just sat on there on their rumps - not one of them even came over to apologise, what a shocking bunch! Poor John Scott, he has been involved in Women's Rugby for ages - his hair is already white - these girls must be trying to make him go bald!

LuckilyDal's mum lives out that way, and she had us all over for an amazingly delicious bbq, which saved the day! There was home made bruschetta, a brilliant cob loaf with a cheesy sour cream dip inside, 3 chickens with scrumptious stuffing, and yummy salads. Vodka jelly - green of course, and we were thoroughly spoiled. It was good to meet one of our players kid's too, she had 4 of her 5 there, and they were very nice - the two littlest girls were loving all the attention.

We are meeting down at the Manly Skiff club today to see Amy off - she is moving back Ireland, her visa is up unfortunately. MicroME and MaxiMe didn't make it out yesterday, however they are coming down today, so it should be fun, and I will definitely be sticking to non alcoholic beverages, it is MaxiMe's turn to drink!

PS - My partners in crime on the ride to nowhere today - Cass and Sarah above.

Warringah - Local Recognition

2007-09-14T22:51:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 8th August 2007

Thanks to the Manly Daily for finally printing an article that pays respect to the effort put in by our team. Sporting women; and in our team their are 3 mum's currently playing, work every bit as hard to be successful as the men - with less than half the support. Games between teams like ourselves, Sydney Uni and Parramatta are excellent examples of the standard that can be achieved. The new side this year Canterbury also acquitted themselves very well when we played them. These games also rival the intensity of some of the mens games I have seen in the past 12 months.

Warringah 122 - Wollondilly 0

2007-09-14T22:29:00.000+10:00

Saturday 11th August 2007

I got a hat trick yesterday, (yes miracles do happen), so did a couple of my team mates, some got a couple of tries, and many got one. We worked hard to get a great win, even though we struggled to field a full team. Contrary to a sweet little article about our opposition that featured in the Telegraph on Saturday, and the ensuing television coverage later that evening, we do take each game very seriously, and we have our own goals above and beyond winning each week.

Now before you get all worked up - let me say, congratulations Wollondilly girls, you have raised the profile of women's rugby in Sydney this year. You have battled on and turned up to every game with a fantastic positive attitude, and continued to play that way for the full 80mins. However it is the attitude that the media have to coverage of the sport that irks me - not your girls. (By the way - I know I said it when we played you - gosh I love those shirts you have!).

This article about Wollondilly White Waratahs Women's Rugby team really disappoints me, I am so glad that I didn't read it until after the game on Saturday. Press coverage is great to promote awareness of the sport, however this 'feel good' story about a team that tries hard, but doesn't score tries. It doesn't pay any respect to the sport of women's rugby itself. It makes it seem as if women are just playing for fun; have no idea about the game of rugby; nor any desire to win - which of course is a load of bollocks!

We all started somewhere, and many of us have been in teams like this at some stage. I for one NEVER played for the fun of or the love sport alone, I always played to win. If I didn't think that I could win a game, I wouldn't bother to take the field, or court, or whatever arena I was competing in. Now if these were 5 year old kids, I could see how this is a heart warming story. However that is not the case, these are adults competing in a competitive contact sport. While I commend them on their attitude, they don't represent women's rugby in anyway that is deserving of media coverage, financial support, or as a spectacle worth watching.

There are many people who have put in the hard yards to become skilled and successful in this sport, and where is their recognition? Where is the recognition for the teams at the top who persevere week in week out, struggling for numbers and time to train - yet produce show case rugby week after week? How about a few minor accolades for actually winning, and being good sports? For encouraging more people to play the game by presenting an example of how it can and should be played.

Here is an excellent article about one of my absolutely lovely, legendary team mates Lisa (Barbs) Fiaola, (featured above playing for the Wallaroos against New Zealand's Black Ferns). She is very successful in her own right, and from the moment I met her she has been encouraging, helpful. She is an inspirational player, as well as a really fantastic person - and Mum. She certainly inspired me to play, and I don't think there is anyone out there with a broader smile, and more welcoming attitude to new players - she rocks! This article is a year old though - it is a year since anyone wrote anything about a successful women's rugby player in Australia - that sucks!

Warringah 104 - Wollongong 0

2007-09-14T22:16:00.000+10:00

Saturday 28th July 2007

Well, we showed Wollongong Vikings the way to play rugby today... If they had joined us at the Sands Hotel - we'd have shown them how to drink a couple too. Thanks for coming up to the Northern Beaches ladies, and hold your heads up high... I think you guys have a great base to build an excellent team out of.

I think you have improved heaps since we played you at the beginning of the season. You got us on a day when we didn't have two of the countries finest players at half back and fly half. I don't think the score reflects the great effort you put in.

Unfortunately the rest of the team was on fire, and I don't think we expected to beat you like that - but 104 - 0 it was. Enjoy the rest of the season, and best of luck to you little Vikings! Thank you mighty green rats - for another awesome day, with the most amazing display.

Results from the 2 weeks before...

	14/7/2007	» Parramatta	5 to 31 Away Win	+
	21/7/2007	» Penrith	5 to 42 Away Win	+

It must be noted, that Parramatta maintain their reign as the biggest Potty Mouth's in the Sydney Women's Premiership... Some things never change!

Warringah 36 - Waverly 5

2007-09-14T22:01:00.000+10:00

Saturday 30th June 2007

Under lights at Rat Park, Narrabeen this evening - Warringah 36 - Waverly 5.

We played a short game so that they could get back to the other side of the bridge to hit the piss and watch the All Blacks run all over the Wallabies (I hope)!

Hardy har, yeeha - go the mighty green rats! Jaydee is learning the team song - maybe he will be able to say a full sentence by the end of the season ;)

Ooooooone green one, one white one & one with a little flower
They call us the mighty green rats to show us the way
We come from old Narrabeen & we play rugby like you've never seen
They call us the mighty green rats to show us the way

Ooooooone green one, one white one & one with a little flower
They call us the mighty green rats to show us the way
We come from old Warriewood & we play rugby like you never should
They call us the mighty green rats to show us the way...

Warringah 15 - Sydney Uni 7

2007-09-14T21:21:00.000+10:00

Saturday 23rd June 2007

We played Sydney Uni today, and WE WON!
We are top of the table - it was freakin' awesome.
Warringah Rattettes/Lady Rats - you rock!
It was our first real challenge this year, thanks Uni.

These are the game since ladies day, and prior to Sydney Uni...

26/5/2007	» Wollondilly	0 to 137 Awa Win	+
2/6/200	» Canterbury	0 to 33 Away Win	+
16/6/2007	» Drummoyne (Wtihdrawn)	28 to 0 Home Win	+

Warringah Ladies Day

2007-09-14T18:26:00.000+10:00

Saturday 19th May

I didn't attend - I will let the photos speak for themselves though...

As you can see, there were no fashion victims around that day - however fashion was victimised!

Love your work ladies!

Warringah 79 - UWSB 0

2007-09-14T14:26:00.000+10:00

Tuesday 24th May 2007

We played footy on Saturday, it was a rather scrappy game, with yet another ref whose interpretation of the rules was negligent. It almost feels as if you have to learn a new set of rules each week... My favourite tip for any sport - play the whistle! We had a rather a largish opposition, however they didn't seem too keen to run by the second half, and tried to kill the ball a lot. It probably contributed to the fact that the opposition were a tad over feisty LOL. See you next time ladies!

I had a a pretty ordinary game really - coughed it up on the try-line (how embarrassing), doesn't stop it from being FUN though. Thank goodness the rest of the team are awesome which is why we won. We went to the Sands afterward, for a few drinks and to chill out. MaxiMe (my dishy man), and I couldn't stay long, as MicroMe (my 16mth old ratbag), started to run amok and try to escape all the time.

Check out our captain - Chris Ross, not only does she do a great job for us and the Wallaroos - she also plays for the Forrestville Ferrets Rugby League team - along with Barbs, Dan, Jamie, Nikki and Skitz. Oh I forgot to mention Baxter - he also features in the photo - he is a bit shy.

A list of our scores to date: (On the field, not off the field - that's secret squirrel).

Round Date		Opponent	Result
	14/4/2007	» Wollongong	0 to 66 Away Win	+
	21/4/2007	» Penrith	77 to 0 Home Win	+
	28/4/2007	» Waverley	0 to 36 Away Win	+
	5/5/2007	» Parramatta	32 to 0 Home Win	+
	12/5/2007	» UWSB	79 to 0 Home Win	+

Warringah 66 - Wollongong 0

2007-09-14T13:05:00.000+10:00

16th April 2007

Round 1 of the Sydney Women's Premiership Rugby Union began on Saturday 14th April. I had my first game of rugby in 2 years - my first training was the warm up before hand. It wasn't really the most ideal training, especially after a frustrating pregnancy, and loading on 20kg (oh yeah, you heard that right). Too many devonshire teas for this little Mumma while cooking the bun in the oven.

I had hoped to be the sub that maybe got on for a little welcome back stint near the end of the game... However due to lack of numbers travelling down to the 'Gong' to play the Vikings, I the was inside the sideline playing in the wing (omg what do they do?). I was lucky enough to have a stint at breakaway (where it's at), for a good chunk of the second half.

This is NOT me pictured - this is one of my many awesome team mates (Barb), playing last year at the world champs in Canada. Barb is one of the inspirational mums in the team - proving once again, that women are amazing strong, versatile creatures! The team consists of the best players in Sydney in my opinion, and with two other mothers I feel inspired to get back into it.

We won 66-0, the ratette girls proved to be every bit as talented as I had anticipated, and then some. I was rusty as all get up and rather unfit, but I managed the whole game, and some useful runs, (I think), as well as a penalty try thanks to some nice girls that tried to rip my head off at the neck... I think it was accidental. They were much nicer in the clubhouse afterwards, and all power to the Vikings for selling their glasses of red wine for only $2- each! It was awesome fun and it feels good to be involved in a team sport and having fun with the girls again - looking forward to training and learning all their names!

PS - A special thanks to my champion friend Cass for introducing me to everyone and motivating me to get back on the field with her. After playing together at Eastwood, Waverly and Sydney Uni - it is brilliant finally be in the team I always wanted to play for.