Grizzlies match

Press, 19 July 1989, Page 34

Grizzlies match

The growth of women’s rugby in recent years has been recognised by the selection of a New Zealand XV to play a visiting American team, the Grizzlies, at Lancaster Park on Saturday. The team has been recognised by the New Zealand Rugby Union and according to the convener of the selection panel, Laurie O’Reilly, is an indication that the union is now taking the women’s branch of the sport seriously.

In a release accompanying the team an-, nouncement the chairman of the N.Z.R.U., Mr Russell Thomas, said the union supported the concept of women’s rugby. We will not impose any direction but will encourage unions and clubs to give this developing activity their support.” - The New Zealand team to play the curtain-raiser at Lancaster Park on Saturday, contains 11 Canterbury players and 10 of them-can be expected in the starting XV on SaturMy.

The New Zealand team will not be as experienced as their American counterparts. “Most of the New Zealand girls have, been playing for two or three years, while some of the Americans have been playing for 13 years,” said Mr O’Reilly. The New Zealand team contains a number of players accomplished in other sports. Helen Mahon, the likely captain of the side, is a Canterbury surf life-saving representative, and Sue Garden has played basketball for Canterbury. Helen Littleworth has played hockey for New Zealand and is a member of the present successful Canterbury hockey team, and Debbie Ford is a Canterbury cricket representative. Amanda Ford is a niece of the former All Black, Brian Ford. The seven Auckland players in the team all play for the powerful Ponsonby* side, except for Marianna Baker who pldts for Manukau.