International women's rugby at Woy Woy

Woy Woy oval hosted the first international women's rugby match played on the Central Coast on Thursday, August 18.

The team, mainly made up of Central Coast players, with other players from the Newcastle competition, took on the visiting Washington Furies women's rugby team in a game under lights.

The Washington team was touring the east coast of Australia and were playing teams in Sydney and Brisbane, as well as the local team.

It was a great exhibition of running rugby.

The local team scored almost from the kick-off and dominated the game throughout to record a 38-points to nil win.

"The Eastern Region backline was far too potent and was always in a position to score points," said coach Larry Thompson.

The backline scored all six tries in the match.

"This dominance in the backs was a result of a forward pack that went forward all day," he said.

Five-eight Tobie McGann, from Avoca Beach, had a great match causing endless trouble for the opposition.

She was well supported by Renee Sanna, also from Avoca, who made many breaks, while fullback Angela Jones from Gosford was dangerous every time she touched the ball.

Jones scored three tries in the match.

The pick of the forwards were local player Jaie Thomson of Gosford and Toni Payne from Newcastle.

After the match, eastern region team captain Kate Thomson spoke at a function at the Woy Woy Old Pub on behalf of the local players and presented the touring side with a Central Coast Rugby Union plaque.

The game was a great display of running rugby and a highlight of the representative season for the local women rugby players.

Tries were scored by Angela Jones 3, Alexia Cass, Kirstie Anders and Tobie McGann; while Tobie also made four conversions.

Coach Larry Thomson, August 22