Coffs Harbour rugby union talent on display for Super W Select Coffs Coast Sport News Of The Area by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 9, 2021 Greta Smith (Coffs Harbour Snappers), Taylor Stevens (Coffs Harbour Snappers) , Ashlee Downton (Coffs Harbour Snappers), Tina Mcrae (SCU Marlins), Rachel Tapine (SCU Marlins), Makayla Hoskins (SCU Marlins) and assistant coach of the Super W Select team AJ Gilbert (SCU Marlins). SIX of the best rugby union players from Coffs Harbour stepped up to the big stage to represent the Super W Select team who defeated the Presidents XV 17-15 with the last kick of the game. Greta Smith (Coffs Harbour Snappers), Taylor Stevens (Coffs Harbour Snappers) , Ashlee Downton (Coffs Harbour Snappers), Tina Mcrae (SCU Marlins), Rachel Tapine (SCU Marlins) and Makayla Hoskins (SCU Marlins) were the local players making the step up. The Select team were given 48 hours to prepare for the Super W match replacing the Western Force who pulled out of the competition and flew back to Perth due to changes in COVID-19 restrictions. The six local players along with Marlins coach AJ Gilbert jumped at the opportunity to play on the big stage and their tenacity was rewarded in the last minute of the game when they were awarded a penalty with the score poised at 15-15. Wallaroo Lori Cramer slotted the ball between the posts and an emphatic team celebration ensued as the players and coaching staff ran onto the field to celebrate the dramatic victory. Ashlee Downtown who plays for the Coffs Harbour Snappers told News Of The Area it was the highlight of her rugby career. “The opportunity to play in the Super W was by far the highlight of my rugby years, to have played along with incredibly talented women was something really spectacular. “To have only come together 48 hours prior and having Lori kick that goal to win the game was absolute gold. “I loved every single bit of that day, especially playing alongside strong, supportive women,” said Ashlee. For Greta Smith it was a game she will never forget. “It was such an awesome feeling not just to win but to be able to win with some of the local girls that you’ve been playing with and against for so long. “It is a game we will never forget or can be taken away from us. “We played against some really talented and experienced players and we all stepped up to match the skill set on the field. “The opportunity in itself was amazing and I think everyone that put the jersey on was going out there to prove a point and to have a good time,” said Greta. By David Wigley Ashlee Downton from the Coffs Harbour Snappers on the attack “loved every single bit of the day”. Celebrations erupted as the Super W Select team won 17-15. Taylor Stevens with tenacious tackling. Lori Cramer won the match with the last kick of the game with Rachel Tapine from the SCU Marlins alongside.
