| Oban Ladies Finish 4th at Beach Rugby Tournament, Italy |
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| Sunday, 29 June 2008 | |
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Oban Lorne Ladies RFC sacrificed their opportunity to play at Islay beach rugby on 14th June,instead travelling to Bibione in Italy to participate in the Annual Beach Rugby Tournament.The venue was set on the 7km stretch of silky sands,but the weather was disappointing compared to the glorious sunshine experienced by the teams on Islay.The ladies had travelled with no idea of the calibre of the opposing teams and took to the pitch for the first match with some trepidation.Beach rugby is unique in that the size of the pitch is only 31m X 25m and there is no scrums,lineouts or kicking.5 players are on each team and the game is played in bare feet.Each try scores one point.The sport is extremely popular in Italy and draws many spectators.
The first match was against Italian side Asti and Oban quickly made their mark by winning this match 5-0,with tries from Dee Bradbury(2) and Donna 'Shreddies' Smith(3).This bolstered the ladies' confidence before taking on the local ladies side,Mamba Fighters.This was a very close match but Mamba's greater experience of beach rugby paid off,with them beating the Oban side 6-3.Oban tries were from Donna Smith(1),Dee Bradbury(1) and Lesley 'Perry' Whyte(1) The only other non Italian side were Bracknell Ladies from Berkshire.They apeared to be a very physical side and had already won some good points through sheer strength.Oban started strongly and quickly realised that the Bracknell girls were not going to defeat them.Oban took this match relatively easily at 7-0,with tries from Rochelle MacDougall(2),Gillian Munro(1),Audrey barr(1) and Donna Smith(3). After a typically Italian break in play of two hours,Oban ladies took to the sand for their final match of the day against yet another Italian side,Viadana.The Viadana side played some good fast beach rugby and tested the Oban defence on several occasions. Oban however proved to be the strongest team,winning 5-3.Tries from Dee Bradbury(1),Rochelle MacDougall(1) and Donna Smith(3). Saturday night was spent exploring the beautiful seaside resort of Bibione and attending the various social events laid on by the organisers. Sunday morning brought glorious sunshine at last,but this proved to be the Scottish girls nemesis.All the Italian sides had upped their games due to the conditions being more in their favour.On day 2, Oban were drawn against Mamba Fighters once more.During this match both Rochelle MacDougall and Shauna Mackenzie were lost to injury,vastly depleting the side.Sadly Oban suffered their biggest defeat of 8-0,which meant they were through to the play offs for 3rd and 4th places.For some reason the organisers decided on another 2 hour break before the semi finals and this sapped any remaining energy from the Oban Ladies.The last match of the day for Oban was against Viadana,and although the Oban team tried their best and had huge numbers of supporters,they lost this match 7-3.Tries from ever dependable Donna Smith (2) and Kat Muirhead(1) in her first ever competitive tournament. Oban came in 4th overall in the entire tournament and were presented with a sheild by event organiser Cesare Zambelli who was sporting his Islay beach rugby t-shirt,a gift from the Islay organisers.The eventual winners were an Italian ladies select team,most of whom are International players. The ladies hugely enjoyed the trip and have secured promises from Italian sides to travel to Oban for some rematches. Italy squad:Donna Smith,Audrey Barr,Caroline Reardon,Fiona MacDonald,Gillian Munro,Rochelle MacDougall,Katie Ritchie,Lesley Whyte,Shauna Mackenzie,Kat Muirhead,Dee Bradbury(captain). Oban Ladies are continuing to tran over the summer months and new players(regardless of experience)are always welcome.Training 6-8pm,Fridays at Glencruitten clubhouse. |
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