What a year for the Maroon U13 Rippa girls team.  Half the team moved up from the unbeaten U11’s last year and a bunch of new girls all eager to be nurtured in the fine art of Rippa by the ever-patient and selfless coach, Andrew “Chattie” Chatfield. Maroon quickly picked up on last season’s winning ways with more speed, using width, as well as a few new skills, bringing the “chip n chase” into the game to score even more tries. 

There were moments of individual brilliance as well as scintillating speed on the wings, but just as importantly great teamwork in continuing to find space, swinging the ball side to side, looking for pace and the overlap.  As the skill level increased so did the moves,  with codes names like “Ice”, “Fire”, “Diamond” and “Hot Chilli” being yelled, leading to some great moves and confused looks from the other teams. 

Just like the All Blacks Vs Wallabies in Perth, every team has their off day, and on one cold morning at Stafford Road, the seasons unbeaten run came to an end. But lessons were learnt and the girls picked themselves up and came back stronger, despite several girls being out due to injuries and clashing sports commitments. This just made them dig even deeper and help some of their other girls to lead and shine.

Like a well-oiled machine, team Maroon were humming by season end, some great footy played, friendships made. Awesome commitment from all the girls through training, cheering parents and great scorekeeping from Chris “statistician” Eng, thanks for an awesome year team, bring on 2020.

Last but not least, thanks must go to Rhys “ the closer “ Davies who has expertly managed the team for another year – ensuring players, parents and coach are in the right place at the right time. Thanks Rhys.