RUGBY UNION: History was made when the St George Frillnecks ladies divided their squad into St George and Dirranbandi to play in the first ever sevens match at Rowden Park.

The women took part in a two-match hit-out as a curtain raiser for the Wal Dunsdon Cup on Saturday.

Frillnecks Women's Rugby 7s coach Simon Lane said the games were filled with exciting play, strong defence and good all-round football, sending a message to the other teams that the girls mean business in the upcoming season.

"The first game saw both teams storm the field with their intentions clear, no prisoners will be taken,” Lane said.

"Thundering runs up the middle by Sarah 'get out of my way' Cookson for Dirranbandi made St George's defence work.

"Exceptional pressure by St George's line forced some errors from the girls down south leading to Alice Rathie running away with several long distance tries and setting a hard task for the Dirran girls.”

However, Dirranbandi were not finished, claiming five points before the final whistle but it was not enough with St George winning the first game.

In the second game Dirranbandi was looking for redemption with good possession and determination shown by standouts Livvy Hoolihan and Lucy Sevil.

"The girls were looking dangerous,” he said.

"However, after an early onslaught of rugby brilliance, the St George girls managed to keep the Dirranites out of hallowed St George turf and turned on a rugby exhibition for the crowd proving once again too strong for the southerners.”

Notable mentions for St George were Alice Rathie, Jasmine Clevin and Amity Robson.

"Special mentions must also go to Hannah Dodd for the bone crunching tackle made after chasing her own kick off, along with Claire Armstrong, Shauna Fitzpatrick, Georgia Hoolihan and Bridgette Nicol for leading from the front and setting the standard for the rest of the year.”

St George and Dirranbandi will rejoin forces as the Fillies to prepare for the upcoming carnival to be announced in the coming weeks.

Best players

St George

3 points: Alice Rathie

2 points: Jasmine Clevin

1 point: Amity Robson

Dirranbandi

3 points: Lucy Sevil

2 points: Livvy Hoolihan

1 point: Sarah Cookson