On Friday night, the rain cleared and the nursery grade teams took to Bell Park for their first game under the lights. There was a sense of anticipation around Bell Park with supporters, parents, coaches and players getting amped to take to the field, the majority of the under 5's for their first game in the green and orange. 

The U5 Penguins girls team were scheduled to take on a formidable looking Bruins team, both teams eyeing each other up as we got warmed-up, went through our preparation, drills and had our jerseys presented. With some familiar faces in both teams and on the sideline we were all welcomed onto the field with parents cheering for and giving encouragement to all the players. 

The first half saw the nerves quickly brushed off and the tries starting coming with some end-to-end rugby being played by both teams. All players were eager to get their hands on the ball and the opposing team's rips. Some huge line breaks were made but both teams didn't give up with the lungs emptied during big chases to make late try saving rips. Plenty of smiles, giggles and laughing was heard on both sidelines from the players during the game. 

All of the girls played hard, scored their first tries and although difficult to choose Imogen was our player of the day, scoring several tries herself, getting a few rips and on the final whistle begging for the game to continue. We then celebrated our first game with prizegiving, hot chips and a lemonade in the club rooms. The team were tired after emptying the tank during their first game of ripper rugby but very much looking forward to getting back out there next Friday. 

The Penguins team is made up of seven girls, Imogen, Mia, Kiana, Chloe, Milly, Amaiya and Ronin and is led by their coaches Olivia Penman-Gates and Tayla Penman-Gates - both coaches have played rugby at PURC since under 5's themselves and currently play for the U15 girls team. 

If there are any U5 girls keen to join the mighty Penguins we are currently looking for 1-2 more players for the season. 

Go Penguins

Article added: Tuesday 07 May 2024