FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Redmen Captain X-factor in Revival
CLARE Gardner has experienced a roller-coaster ride playing for the Grafton Women’s rugby side.
Gut-wrenching defeats, bruised body and ego… to one win away from a Mid North Coast Women’s 10s premiership.
Gardner remembers all too well the struggles the team faced back in 2021. Lack of player depth, not knowing if they could field a side on game day and heavy defeats.
Yep…times were tough.
“I was looking at a photo the other day from 2021 and it got me thinking how far the team has come since then,” Gardner said.
“Then it crossed my mind, success doesn’t just happen automatically. The reason the women’s side is competitive today is from all the blood and sweat Tamar (Tamar McHugh, women’s captain) has put into it.
“Back in 2021 Tamar would spend countless hours messaging everyone she knew, begging them to put their hand up and help out on game day.
“We would travel hours to play with only eight or nine players and bust ourselves against teams like Casino who showed us no mercy.
“Don’t get me wrong…we were light on numbers but loved it.”
There’s no denying the Redmen Women’s side hold a special bond that goes beyond the playing field, they are a close-knit group.
There’s inside jokes, a bustling Instagram account and a group chat that never stops buzzing all day.
The team also spend plenty of time on the training field honing their skills and improving their fitness.
Since 2021, the women’s team has transformed into a more than competitive outfit and look like genuine contenders for this season’s Mid North Coast Women’s title.
And according to Gardner, her inspirational captain is always in the background doing what she does best…ensuring the team has the best opportunity to do the Club proud and build on what has been a long journey over the past three years.
“Tamar has nurtured the current players, so a lot have stayed on from previous years,” Gardner explained.
“She has been constantly recruiting players from the local gym, work and even the bloody grocery store. She welcomes new players and encourages them to give rugby a go.
“Tamar also goes as far as messaging teammates after training to touch base and see how they are feeling and constantly liaises with coaches as a spokesperson for the players.”
Back in 2021 a sideline reserves bench was never required…now one bench is barley enough to accommodate an influx of players heading into the 2024 season.
“We have massive numbers this season,” Gardner said.
“After a stellar year making the grand final, Tamar and the coaches will face a different issue this season.
“It’s possible some players may not get as much game time and having to earn their spot in the side which is a far cry from three years ago.”
Nico
