Felicity George from Diamond Beach, Ellie Johnston, Coomba Park, and Naomi George, Kew, who all play rugby sevens for Wauchope Thunder, along with Annie Taylor, from the Old Bar Clams and Emily Brady from the Forster-Tuncurry Dolphins, will represent the Mid North Coast Tomahawks at this Saturday’s match.

The Great Lakes-Manning members form part of the 24 player squad who have been weekly travelling from Sydney, Newcastle, Wauchope, Coomba Park, Taree and Forster for four-hour training sessions in Port Macquarie.

Making her second and possibly last representative appearance for the Tomahawks, Felicity George heaped praise on coach, Paddy Bowen.

Going into the Country Championships for the women’s sevens in Warren last month with the underdog status, the girls had no thought of gaining a place.

“We had no training and the team was pulled together within 48 hours of the Country Champs due to the number of girls pulling out with injuries,” Felicity said.

The team also was forced to borrow two plays from Gunnedah and Narrabri.

However, the team managed to secure a second after going down to a more experienced, well drilled Hunter team.

At the same time two team-members, Lauren Linton and Greta Smith, were selected for the NSW Country Merit 7s Squad.

“Under the wonderful coaching of Paddy Bowen the girls gelled as a team,” Felicity said. 

“Paddy was our coach, manager, physio and driver. He brought out the best in the girls through out the weekend.”

Felicity also paid homage to their Central North opponents, who shared their ICE baths, physio table and ran water for the Tomahawks during games.

“Overall it was a wonderful experience to play rugby with your mates and the lessons we learned during this competition will no doubt filter back into local club rugby.”